Mumbai, Dec 23 (NationPress) The chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), Uddhav Thackeray, alongside Raj Thackeray, the founder of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), is set to conduct a joint press conference on Wednesday at noon to officially unveil their alliance for the upcoming elections concerning the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and various other civic bodies.

The elections for 29 municipal corporations are slated for January 15, with the counting of votes scheduled for January 16.

In a post on X, Sanjay Raut, a leader from Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), announced, “Tomorrow, 12 pm.” Although he did not elaborate on the agenda, it is clear that the press conference will signify the formal collaboration of the two parties aimed primarily at contesting against the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Previously, Raut had confirmed the “Manomilan” (union of hearts), indicating that members from both parties have embraced the partnership and have commenced collaborative efforts on the ground.

“The ‘Manomilan’ occurred the moment the two brothers united against the imposition of Hindi from Grade One in schools across Maharashtra. The final touches on the seat-sharing arrangement were completed last night,” Raut stated to reporters.

He mentioned that while the alliance is now a reality, a formal announcement regarding specific seat allocations is expected either late Tuesday night or on Wednesday.

Raut highlighted that the “Thackeray brothers” have reached an agreement, with the groundwork for the coalition now laid out. He emphasized that coordination across various municipal bodies naturally requires time, but the core agreement has been established.

“The nomination filing process for the municipal elections has commenced. Our discussions concerning Nashik, Pune, Kalyan-Dombivli, and Mira-Bhayandar are concluded. Managing numerous corporations is understandably time-consuming. However, regarding the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), we must honor the sentiments of workers from both parties. As alliances involve allocating certain seats, we are finalizing those particulars. Candidate AB forms are already being circulated,” he explained.

Further clarifying, Raut stated that the question is no longer whether the two parties will unite, but how the seats will be divided. “The official seat-sharing list is anticipated to be released by this evening or tomorrow morning,” he remarked, refuting claims of internal discord. “We have united with sincerity.”

He reiterated that the alliance was effectively solidified when Uddhav and Raj Thackeray appeared jointly in July to contest the state government's decision to introduce Hindi alongside Marathi and English from Grade One. “Instructions have been communicated to party members, and there is no ambiguity among the workers regarding the alliance,” Raut added.

Raut also mentioned that discussions are ongoing with NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Jayant Patil to ensure coordination within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) framework. While formal discussions with the Congress are currently “on hold,” he commended the party on its recent achievements in local body elections and indicated that Shiv Sena (UBT) remains open to future collaborations if needed.

In a pointed critique of the ruling Mahayuti, Raut questioned, “Why hasn’t the alliance between Eknath Shinde and the BJP been finalized yet? Why hasn’t the Ajit Pawar-BJP alliance been announced?”

In contrast, he claimed the process of forming the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance is complete.

Meanwhile, in Sewri, a crucial consensus has reportedly been achieved, with two seats designated for Shiv Sena (UBT) and one for MNS. However, a dispute continues over Ward No. 114 in Bhandup. Sources from Shiv Sena (UBT) stated that both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray are personally intervening to address the remaining disagreements. The overall seat-sharing strategy for Mumbai is said to be nearly finalized.

Political analysts suggest that the reunion of the Thackeray brothers — though politically motivated — signifies a pivotal moment in Maharashtra politics. After years of operating independently, this strategic alliance aims to unify the Marathi vote bank and presents a direct challenge to both the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the BJP.