Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS alliance finalised; formal announcement expected Tuesday

Ahead of the high-stakes BMC elections in Maharashtra, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have concluded negotiations, and a formal announcement of their alliance is likely to be made on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that a series of meetings between the leaders of both parties had concluded, and the details regarding seat-sharing would be announced jointly by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray.

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“The series of meetings has concluded. Meetings were held between Shiv Sena and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. Our alliance will be announced by tomorrow or the day after, including details of how many seats each party will contest. Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will announce this soon,” Raut told reporters.

The Thackeray cousins will be coming together after nearly two decades. The two had parted ways when Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray was still alive. Raj Thackeray quit Shiv Sena and formed the MNS after Balasaheb chose Uddhav as his successor.

While the Congress has not yet officially reacted to the development, Raut said the party had expressed reservations about the MNS joining the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance.

“The Congress has expressed reservations over the Raj Thackeray-led MNS. We have been trying to convince the Congress that to defeat the BJP, it is necessary for everyone to come together,” he added.

Elections to the 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra are scheduled to be held on January 15.