Mumbai, Dec 30 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, unveiled a list of 53 candidates for the forthcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections scheduled for January 15, according to party insiders.

Tuesday marked the final opportunity for submitting nomination papers for the BMC elections in Maharashtra.

The MNS' announcement follows its recent alliance with the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-UBT for the BMC elections, solidifying the coalition.

This move clarifies the seat-sharing arrangement within the alliance, which also includes the NCP-SP.

Out of the 227 seats available in the BMC, the alliance has agreed on a distribution where Shiv Sena-UBT will contest 163 seats, MNS will field candidates for 53 seats, and NCP-SP will run for 11 seats.

Raj Thackeray has expressed confidence in several key party figures.

The MNS’ roster of 53 candidates features names such as Yashwant Killedar, Kasturi Rohekar, Shailendra More, Baban Mahadik, and Mukesh Bhalerao.

The formation of this alliance and the swift announcement of candidates signify a strategic effort to consolidate the Marathi vote bank and pose a challenge to rivals in Asia’s wealthiest municipal body.

Previously, Raj Thackeray addressed the 'Marathi Manoos' and voters, focusing on the upcoming municipal elections and the newly forged alliance with the Shiv Sena-UBT.

His speech emphasized reclaiming Mumbai’s identity and denouncing what he called “political betrayal” by the ruling Mahayuti government.

Thackeray stressed that the alliance between the two Thackeray brothers — Uddhav and himself — emerged from a necessity to safeguard the interests of the Marathi community.

He asserted that the fragmentation of Marathi votes has only benefited “external forces,” urging the Marathi Manoos to unify and vote as a powerful block to regain control of Mumbai.

In alignment with Sanjay Raut, a Shiv Sena MP, Raj Thackeray criticized the BJP for attempting to diminish the significance of Mumbai and Maharashtra.

He reminded citizens that “Mumbai is not a real estate asset for Delhi to barter.”

He warned that development initiatives are often a guise to marginalize local Marathi interests in favor of large corporations.

Continuing his campaign against electoral fraud, he urged voters to remain vigilant.

Thackeray claimed that the “Mahayuti” relies on bogus voters and EVM manipulation due to their fear of the Marathi Manoos’ backlash.

He encouraged MNS supporters and voters to check their names in voter lists, suggesting that numerous “fake voters” have been added to dilute the local Marathi voting strength.

He invoked the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray, reminding voters that the “true Shiv Sena” (representing the unified Thackeray family) is the only force capable of defending their 'self-respect' (Swabhiman).

Thackeray dismissed the Eknath Shinde-led faction as a “temporary arrangement” orchestrated by the BJP to undermine Maharashtra.

He made a heartfelt appeal to young Marathi voters, urging them not to be enticed by transient “freebie” schemes but to consider the long-term prospects of their city.

He assured that the MNS-Shiv Sena(UBT) alliance would prioritize local employment opportunities and the safeguarding of Marathi culture in educational institutions and public services.