Mumbai, Dec 24 (NationPress) The chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Raj Thackeray, stated on Wednesday that the collaboration with Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) transcends mere seat counts or particular constituencies.

This alliance aims to combat the forces trying to obliterate the identity of the ‘Marathi Manoos’, first in Mumbai and its surroundings, and eventually across other regions of the state.

Thackeray emphasized that specifics regarding the seat-sharing arrangement will be disclosed by relevant parties at an appropriate time.

“The Mayor of Mumbai will emerge from the MNS-Shiv Sena alliance, and he will undeniably be a Marathi individual,” he declared.

During a press conference with Uddhav Thackeray, the leader announced the formal partnership for the BMC elections. In a post on X, he remarked: “This alliance has been extensively discussed and anticipated. It originated from a statement I made in an interview: ‘Our Maharashtra and the Marathi person surpass any disagreement’. This wasn’t just a phrase; it’s a deep sentiment. This core belief has united our parties.”

With the alliance now public, he mentioned that details regarding candidates and seat distributions will be revealed shortly.

“We did not share specific details today as they are technical matters,” he added.

Thackeray also noted that many editors and journalists within newspapers and news channels are passionate supporters of Maharashtra.

“They are opposed to the ongoing conspiracy against the Marathi language and its people. Many express their frustrations through journalism while others do so privately,” he noted.

He made an earnest appeal to the media to back the alliance.

“I urge you all: this time, listen to your conscience rather than the views of your superiors. This is not merely a dispute between two parties; it is a struggle for the Marathi people. Just as the media supported the Marathi cause during the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, it’s crucial to stand with us now. Your survival is intertwined with the survival of the Marathi language and its people. I look forward to meeting my Marathi brothers and sisters at our public rallies. Until then, Jai Maharashtra to all!”

Raj Thackeray took to X to defend the alliance with Shiv Sena UBT, especially as the ruling BJP claims that the union between the cousins is merely a power grab and not aimed at the development of Mumbai.

The BJP, overseeing the BMC elections, and state Information Technology Minister Ashish Shelar alleged that the Thackeray cousins have united not for Marathi interests but for political survival, describing it as opportunistic.

“At a time when Mumbai’s citizens have shown their democratic support towards PM Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, both parties are uniting out of fear and insecurity. This alliance is not about the Marathi identity or pride but solely about political survival,” asserted Minister Shelar.