Mumbai, Jan 10 (NationPress) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and national spokesperson Sanjay Raut stated on Saturday that the unification of the Thackeray brothers for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections is focused on “saving Mumbai” and that their partnership has “fostered trust” among the city's residents.

Both Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), and Raj Thackeray, chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), have allied to participate in the BMC elections.

On Sunday, the two factions introduced a joint manifesto dubbed ‘Vachan Nama’, which prominently displays images of the Thackeray cousins alongside Shiv Sena's founder, Balasaheb Thackeray.

In a conversation with IANS regarding the significance of the civic elections, Raut remarked, “This election transcends the Thackeray brothers alone. Mumbai is akin to a nation on its own. It is often dubbed the financial hub of India and also serves as the capital of Maharashtra. Historically, Balasaheb Thackeray and the Shiv Sena have maintained power in this capital.”

He highlighted that despite the considerable transformations the city has experienced in recent years, the Shiv Sena's sway within the civic structure remains robust.

Raut asserted that the party is poised to reaffirm its strength in the BMC, a trend it has followed for nearly three decades.

However, it's noteworthy that the Shiv Sena has never achieved an outright majority independently within the civic body. For the bulk of its tenure in the BMC, the party governed in collaboration with the BJP, which was its junior ally until their separation in 2014.

“These elections are taking place after a seven-year hiatus; the entire demographic landscape of the state has altered; the city has evolved. Nevertheless, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have united to safeguard Mumbai,” stated the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader.

“Shiv Sena has consistently been a protector of Maharashtrians. Every community in Mumbai aligns with Shiv Sena. When discussions arise about Mumbai, its challenges and concerns, the initial thought is that Shiv Sena will shield us,” Raut expressed.

He underscored the public's reception of their alliance, asserting, “The unity of the Thackeray brothers has instilled trust in the hearts of the populace.”

In their collaborative manifesto, the Thackeray brothers have committed to affordable housing and substantial enhancements in infrastructure, encompassing healthcare services, public transportation, and educational initiatives.

The document also outlines welfare programs for women, including a proposed monthly stipend of Rs 1,500 for women working as domestic helpers and Koli women under the envisioned ‘Swabhiman Nidhi’ scheme.

This manifesto was publicly unveiled during a joint press conference at the Shiv Sena Bhawan, which marked Raj Thackeray's return to the party headquarters after nearly two decades.

Raj Thackeray exited the Shiv Sena in 2005 due to disagreements with his cousin Uddhav Thackeray regarding the party's leadership succession after Balasaheb Thackeray transitioned control to his son.