Fadnavis Mocks Thackeray Cousins’ Reunion, Says It’s Being Hyped Like Russia-Ukraine Coming Together

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday dismissed the political significance of the Thackeray cousins coming together ahead of the Maharashtra civic polls, saying the alliance would have little to no impact on the outcome of local body elections.

Fadnavis Plays Down Political Impact of Alliance

Reacting to the reunion of the Thackeray cousins, Fadnavis mocked the buzz surrounding the development and suggested it was being exaggerated beyond reality. Speaking to reporters, he said, "The hype is being created in such a way as if Russia and Ukraine have come together... and Zelenskyy and Putin are talking."

He asserted that the alliance would not influence voters and maintained that the ruling Mahayuti would retain public support across Maharashtra's urban centres.

'Fight for Survival, Not Ideology': CM

Fadnavis claimed that the coming together of the two parties was driven by political compulsion rather than shared ideology. According to him, both parties were struggling to retain relevance.

"The alliance is between two parties that have lost their identity. People don't trust them. They have lost their vote bank by doing politics of appeasement. Coming together of these two parties will have no impact. Both the parties have joined hands to save their identity," he said.

The Chief Minister added that Mumbai voters would back Mahayuti due to visible development work carried out by the alliance.

"People of Mumbai have seen development work done by us and that is why Mumbai is with us and will remain so. Mahayuti will win Mumbai," Fadnavis stated.

Thackeray Cousins Announce Tie-Up for BMC Polls

Earlier in the day, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray announced an alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections.

The cousins addressed a joint briefing in Mumbai, where Uddhav said the parties had come together to stay united, while Raj described the alliance as a long-awaited moment.

"Maharashtra was waiting for this day for a long time. I declare today that Shiv Sena and MNS are united," Raj Thackeray told the gathering.

Civic Polls Set for January 15

Fadnavis reiterated that Mahayuti's performance would speak for itself, claiming voters would judge parties based on governance rather than political reunions.

"In a desperate attempt to save their existence, they have joined hands, believing that no party can win alone. However, the people of Maharashtra have seen our work, and it is on that basis that the Mahayuti will emerge victorious," he said.

Elections to 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai and Nashik, are scheduled for January 15. The BMC polls are considered especially significant, as the undivided Shiv Sena controlled the civic body for nearly three decades.