Mahayuti Unfazed by Sena (UBT)-MNS Alliance

Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske dismissed concerns over the potential alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for the upcoming civic body polls, confidently asserting that the ruling Mahayuti coalition will secure a resounding victory. Speaking to reporters late Saturday night, Mhaske emphasized the coalition’s preparedness, stating, “When Mahayuti gears up for an electoral battle, we are fully equipped to win.”

Leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, and MNS, headed by his cousin Raj Thackeray, have indicated a strong likelihood of joining forces for the local elections in key cities like Mumbai, Thane, and Nashik. While Uddhav has been vocal about the partnership, Raj remains reserved, with a final decision expected closer to the polls to manage internal dynamics and seat-sharing negotiations. The two parties recently collaborated for the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) credit society election, signaling their intent to unite against Mahayuti.

Mhaske, however, downplayed the threat, pointing to Mahayuti’s past successes. “Sena (UBT) allied with Congress, NCP (SP), and others in the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, yet Mahayuti triumphed,” he said, referencing the coalition’s victories in 2024 despite Sena (UBT) winning only 20 seats and MNS failing to secure any in the 288-member state assembly—the latter’s worst performance since its 2006 inception. The Samajwadi Party, Mhaske noted, was not part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi during the state polls, further underscoring Mahayuti’s dominance.

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“They can form their alliance, but we broke the handi in the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha, and we’ll do it again in the civic polls,” Mhaske declared, using the metaphor of breaking a clay pot to signify electoral success. The Mahayuti coalition, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and allies, is banking on its organizational strength and voter base to maintain control over municipal bodies, even as the Sena (UBT)-MNS tie-up aims to capitalize on shared regional sentiments to challenge the ruling alliance.

As the civic elections approach, the political landscape in Maharashtra remains charged, with the proposed alliance testing Mahayuti’s resilience while highlighting the Thackeray cousins’ efforts to reclaim influence after last year’s electoral setbacks.

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