Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut, Uddhav Thackeray with MNS’ Raj Thackeray in Mumbai on December 24, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Emmanual Yogini
Raj Thackeray, in the presence of his cousin Uddhav Thackeray, announced the long-awaited alliance between their parties —Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for the January 15 civic elections in Mumbai on Wednesday (December 24, 2025).
Noting that the current announcement pertains to Mumbai, Mr. Raj said that a similar announcement will be made regarding Nashik as well. “We are in talks with Sharad Pawar. We are today announcing an alliance between the two of us,” he added. Mr. Raj, however, did not share details of the seat sharing between the two parties for the high-stakes BMC elections.
“Mumbai Mayor will be a Marathi person and will be from our parties,” Mr. Raj said.
Alliance talks between the two parties for the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections had been going on for quite some time.
Speaking on the alliance, Mr. Uddhav said: “We have come together to stay together. We will finish off those who want to take away Mumbai. I want to tell the Marathi manoos, if you break away right now, you will be defeated.”
“Those who can’t bear to see what is happening in BJP can also come with us,” he added.
Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut called it a historic day for Maharashtra, adding that “The ‘mangal kalash’ will herald the Thackerays’ leadership. Only they can lead the State.”
With inputs from PTI
Published – December 24, 2025 12:54 pm IST
