Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 10: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and national spokesperson Sanjay Raut on Saturday said that the alliance between the Thackeray brothers for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections is driven by the larger goal of “saving Mumbai” and has generated renewed confidence among the city’s residents.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray have joined forces to contest the civic polls together. Earlier this week, the two parties released a joint manifesto titled ‘Vachan Nama’, featuring images of the Thackeray cousins alongside Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.

Speaking to reporters, Raut underlined the importance of the BMC elections, describing Mumbai as a city of national significance. “This election is not merely about the Thackeray brothers. Mumbai is a city like a country in itself. It is the financial capital of India and also the capital of Maharashtra. Historically, Balasaheb Thackeray and the Shiv Sena have played a central role in governing this city,” he said.

Raut noted that despite significant changes in Mumbai over the years, the Shiv Sena’s influence in the civic body has endured. He expressed confidence that the party would once again emerge dominant in the BMC, as it has for nearly 30 years.

While acknowledging that the Shiv Sena has never won an absolute majority on its own in the BMC, Raut pointed out that the party governed the city for decades in alliance with the BJP, which functioned as a junior partner until the two parties parted ways in 2014.

“These elections are being held after seven years. The demography of the state and the city has changed completely. Yet, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have come together with a single purpose — to save Mumbai,” Raut said.

He reiterated that the Shiv Sena has consistently positioned itself as a protector of Maharashtrian interests. “Every section of Mumbai stands with the Shiv Sena. Whenever there is a discussion about the city’s problems, people instinctively feel that the Shiv Sena will safeguard them,” he added.
Highlighting the public response to the political reunion, Raut said the unity of the Thackeray brothers has restored public faith. “Their coming together has built trust in the hearts of the people,” he remarked.

The joint manifesto outlines promises of affordable housing and sweeping upgrades to civic infrastructure, including healthcare, public transport and education. It also proposes welfare initiatives for women, notably a monthly assistance of Rs 1,500 for domestic workers and Koli women under the proposed ‘Swabhiman Nidhi’ scheme.

The manifesto was unveiled at a joint press conference at Shiv Sena Bhawan, an event that marked Raj Thackeray’s return to the party headquarters after nearly two decades. Raj Thackeray had quit the Shiv Sena in 2005 following differences with Uddhav Thackeray over party leadership after Balasaheb Thackeray passed the reins to his son.