Sena (UBT)-MNS Alliance Looms for Maharashtra Civic Polls
Thackeray-led parties plan strategic partnership to boost electoral prospects.
Leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have signaled a strong likelihood of forming an alliance for the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra, aiming to consolidate their political influence in key urban centers. While discussions are ongoing, both parties indicate that a final decision may be deferred until closer to the election date to manage internal dynamics and public expectations.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has been outspoken about the potential partnership, emphasizing its strategic importance. In contrast, MNS president Raj Thackeray, his cousin, has remained reserved, with sources suggesting he will make the final call. Sanjay Raut, a prominent Sena (UBT) MP, recently confirmed plans to ally with MNS for civic polls in Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivali, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
However, MNS has yet to publicly endorse the alliance, with a party functionary noting that public enthusiasm, particularly following a July 5 rally, has made collaboration increasingly inevitable.
A Sena (UBT) leader echoed this sentiment, stating, “An alliance is certain, but we’ll announce it closer to the elections to avoid premature pressure from the BJP and streamline seat-sharing.” Both parties are cautious about early announcements, as premature talks could disrupt party workers vying for tickets in their respective wards, potentially causing internal friction.
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As a precursor to broader collaboration, Sena (UBT) and MNS have joined forces for the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) credit society election scheduled for Monday. The ‘Utkarsh panel,’ comprising 21 members—18 from Sena (UBT), two from MNS, and one from an SC/ST association—marks their first joint electoral effort. Suhas Samant, leader of the Sena (UBT)-controlled BEST Kamgar Sena, highlighted the panel’s formation as a test of their cooperative potential.
The alliance comes in the wake of both parties’ lackluster performance in the 2024 state assembly elections, where Sena (UBT) secured only 20 seats and MNS failed to win any, including a loss for Amit Thackeray, Raj’s son, in the Mahim constituency. This electoral setback has fueled the urgency for a united front. “The July 5 rally showed a groundswell of support,” a Sena (UBT) leader noted. “We need to capitalize on this to rejuvenate our cadre and strengthen our position in the civic polls.”
The Thackeray cousins’ rare joint appearance at the July 5 rally, celebrating the state government’s rollback of a controversial three-language formula for schoolchildren, marked their first shared platform in two decades. Yet, lingering trust issues, rooted in past political rivalries, continue to spark debate about the alliance’s durability. An MNS leader candidly remarked, “We’re on a ventilator, and they’re in the ICU. This alliance is critical for the civic polls, but its extension to future assembly elections remains uncertain.”
As Maharashtra’s political landscape braces for the civic elections, the potential Sena (UBT)-MNS partnership could reshape local governance dynamics. By pooling resources and voter bases, both parties aim to counter the BJP’s dominance and regain lost ground, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral showdown.
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