Thackeray Cousins Unite for Mumbai Civic Polls, Vow to End BJP's 'Divide and Rule' Strategy

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In a historic move, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, cousins and former political rivals, have joined hands ahead of the crucial Mumbai civic polls. The unlikely alliance, announced in Mumbai on Wednesday, marks a significant shift in the city's political landscape. The Thackeray cousins, who have been estranged for nearly two decades, reunited in July this year, citing their shared Marathi pride roots and a common enemy - the 'Hindi imposition' in the state. Their big show of unity back in July was followed by months of behind-the-scenes negotiations, culminating in the announcement of their alliance on Wednesday. Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Uddhav Thackeray's faction of Shiv Sena will contest the upcoming January 15 civic elections together. The alliance is seen as a major blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been trying to divide the Marathi community. Raj Thackeray vowed to keep the interests of Maharashtra above everything else, while Uddhav Thackeray urged the Marathi community to stay united, warning that any division would have serious consequences. The cousins also promised that the mayor of Mumbai would be a Marathi person from either their party. The suspense on seat distribution for elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra continues, with the Thackeray cousins' parties reportedly having some disagreements over seat allocation in certain areas of Mumbai. However, talks are underway with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to finalize the seat distribution. The Mumbai civic polls, which will be held on January 15, are crucial for the BJP, which has been trying to consolidate its hold on the city. The Thackeray cousins' alliance is seen as a major challenge to the BJP's 'divide and rule' strategy, and the outcome of the polls will have significant implications for the state's politics.