Raj Thackeray may share stage with Uddhav at Dussehra Rally

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena will hold its annual Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park on Wednesday, continuing the tradition started by late party founder Balasaheb Thackeray in 1966.

According to the leaders of Uddhav’s faction (UBT), an invitation is likely to be extended to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) founder Raj Thackeray to attend the Dussehra rally.

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The Uddhav-led Shiv Sena has released teasers highlighting the tradition and legacy of the undivided Shiv Sena, attempting to project itself as the “original Shiv Sena.”

If Raj Thackeray accepts the invitation, it could effectively signal the beginning of campaigning for the upcoming local civic body polls in Maharashtra, and most significantly the battle for control of the cash rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Sena leaders said.

At the rally, Uddhav is expected to blow the bugle for the upcoming local body elections, particularly the BMC polls expected to be held in January 2026.

If Raj Thackeray attends the Shiv Sena rally, it would indicate a potential Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance taking on the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena with increased vigour and strength.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde announced that his Shiv Sena will hold its Dussehra rally at NESCO Centre, Goregaon, at 6 pm (after the Uddhav-led Sena’s rally begins at 5 pm), instead of Azad Maidan, as declared earlier.

Shinde urged for the limited participation of the party supporters at the rally from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, while party workers from other areas have been deployed to assist rain-affected farmers in the Marathwada region, Shinde-led Shiv Sena leaders said.

The Shinde Sena’s strategy is to make this rally both a “show of strength” and a “public relations campaign.” Senior party ministers and workers will attend the rally. The Shinde Sena has also linked the Dussehra event to helping flood victims and raising funds.
Both factions have ramped up their campaigns ahead of the rallies. Meanwhile, Shinde’s Shiv Sena has also released a large number of posters and videos to demonstrate its strength.

The Mumbai Police and administration are closely monitoring the activities of both the factions of Shiv Sena. Security has been tightened at Shivaji Park as well as NESCO Centre amid concerns that party activists could stage protests on the streets or social media,police officials said.