Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jan 4: The bugle for Maharashtra’s municipal corporation elections has been sounded, and Sunday is set to be politically charged as campaigning intensifies across the state. With elections to 29 municipal corporations underway, senior leaders from across parties have taken to the ground, turning the day into a high-voltage “Super Sunday” of political activity.
From the Thackeray brothers’ historic joint manifesto release in Mumbai to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s grand roadshow in Amravati, the political atmosphere is expected to remain fully charged throughout the day. While the Shiv Sena–MNS–NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) alliance unveils its joint vision, the BJP has launched aggressive campaign offensives in Amravati and Nashik.
In a significant political moment, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray is stepping into Shiv Sena Bhavan after 19 years. For the first time since the formation of the MNS, Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray will share the same stage at the Sena Bhavan on Sunday afternoon. The alliance’s joint manifesto, said to balance Marathi identity with global-standard development for Mumbai, will be released on the occasion.
The manifesto is expected to include promises such as 100 units of free electricity, waiver of property tax for homes up to 700 square feet, and special concessions for women. The roadmap earlier outlined by Aaditya Thackeray and Amit Thackeray on Friday is likely to receive formal approval from both party chiefs. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has also announced that an official declaration will be made regarding a joint interview of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray scheduled for January 6.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is leading a massive show of strength in Vidarbha to reinforce the BJP’s influence in the region. His roadshow in Amravati will begin at 1.30 pm from Panchavati Chowk and pass through Shegaon Naka, Rajkamal Chowk and Gandhi Chowk before concluding at Sainagar. Thousands of BJP workers are expected to participate in the special roadshow held as part of the civic poll campaign.
In Nashik, the BJP has decided to contest the municipal elections independently. State BJP president Ravindra Chavan will formally kick off the party’s campaign with a public meeting on Sunday. He will also inaugurate multiple campaign offices and address party workers and residents across the city.
MNS youth leader Amit Thackeray is on a visit to Solapur, where he will meet and console the family of slain MNS office-bearer Balasaheb Sarvade. The killing has heightened political tensions in the region, and Amit Thackeray’s visit is being closely watched.
In Mumbai, BJP’s grassroots outreach continued as Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam interacted with morning walkers at Juhu beach. Recalling the party’s engagement with citizens during the Covid-19 pandemic, he highlighted major infrastructure projects such as the Coastal Road and Atal Setu, while targeting the Thackeray faction over governance issues.
With rallies, roadshows, meetings and symbolic political moments unfolding across Maharashtra, Sunday marks a decisive and action-packed phase in the run-up to the civic elections.