Published: January 11, 2026

Mumbai – As Maharashtra prepares for the high-stakes election to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on January 15, political temperature in the state has reached a fever pitch. The contest, which involves India’s richest civic body, has seen political heavyweights from across the spectrum intensify campaigns, alliances, and rhetoric. At the center of the current storm are the Thackeray cousins – Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena and Raj Thackeray of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena – who have come together after nearly two decades to project a united front.

In a bold statement that captured headlines, Sanjay Raut, a prominent Member of Parliament from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction, asserted the continuing influence of the Thackeray family in Maharashtra politics. Speaking to NDTV, Raut claimed, “The Thackerays can never be wiped out. We can still shut down Mumbai in 10 minutes.” This assertion was not merely rhetorical but also emblematic of the enduring political sway the Thackeray family holds over Mumbai’s electorate, particularly among the Marathi population.

Raut’s remarks underline the renewed vigor of the Thackeray brand in the state, emphasizing not just individual leadership but a cultural and political identity rooted in Marathi pride. According to Raut, the reunion of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, whose mothers are sisters, represents a consolidation of family and political interests. “Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are brothers. Their mothers are sisters. This was a family matter. I am a friend to both sides. If I had any role in their reunion, then I feel fortunate,” Raut told NDTV.

He further emphasized that despite ideological differences, the cousins have joined forces to prioritise the nation and the interests of Maharashtra. “The Thackeray brothers are a brand. If Thackerays survive, Marathi manoos [the Marathi identity] will survive,” Raut asserted. He reiterated the political confidence of the alliance by claiming, “Raj and Uddhav are not different. We are one. The mayor will be ours.”

Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Rebuttal: ‘Empty Threats’

The statement by Raut did not go unchallenged. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded to the claims, dismissing them as “empty threats.” Speaking to NDTV, Fadnavis suggested that such influence was a relic of the past and was only truly possible during the lifetime of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.

“They said they won’t let Eknath Shinde enter Mumbai. But he came with 50 MLAs and went to Raj Bhavan and formed the government. When Bal Thackeray was alive, such a shutdown could happen. But these guys can’t do it anymore,” the CM remarked. Fadnavis’ response highlights the shift in political dynamics over the past decade, particularly after the fragmentation of Shiv Sena and the formation of rival factions, which have reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape.

Thackeray Reunion and the Politics of Marathi Pride

The upcoming BMC elections are being framed by the Thackeray cousins as a fight for Marathi asmita, or pride, a theme that has traditionally resonated deeply with the city’s native population. After years of political fragmentation and internal family disputes, the cousins’ reunion is being projected as a symbol of unity and continuity of Marathi identity in Mumbai politics.

Political analysts note that the combined campaign effort is aimed not just at winning municipal wards but also at reclaiming the cultural and political narrative that has been historically associated with the Thackeray brand. Uddhav Thackeray himself emphasized the stakes, describing the elections as a “battle for survival” not only for his faction but for the Marathi community at large.

“It’s a battle for survival… not just for us but for the Marathi people in Mumbai,” Uddhav said in an interview with the Hindustan Times. He further pointed to the challenges posed by rival political formations, highlighting that every election represents an existential test for parties attempting to assert their relevance in the city.

Uddhav also referenced the recent political maneuvering in Ambernath, where local BJP units reportedly collaborated with Congress to target Shiv Sena candidates, only for the move to be eventually neutralized. “Every election is a battle for survival. This is a battle for survival, not just us but for the Marathi character of Mumbai,” he emphasized. The statement underscores the broader narrative being promoted by the Thackeray faction that the survival of political power in Mumbai is intrinsically linked to the preservation of cultural identity.

Political Stakes in the BMC Election

The BMC election is widely regarded as a litmus test for the power dynamics in Maharashtra’s capital. Mumbai, with its vast economic resources and symbolic importance, represents more than just a municipal governance challenge. The outcome of the election has significant implications for state-level politics, influencing both party legitimacy and voter sentiment ahead of future assembly and parliamentary contests.

For the Thackeray factions, the election represents a rare opportunity to consolidate influence after years of political setbacks. By campaigning on the platform of Marathi asmita, they are appealing to the emotional and cultural loyalty of voters who identify with the Thackeray legacy. Political observers note that such strategies, when combined with grassroots mobilization and targeted outreach, can translate into a substantial electoral advantage in municipal contests.

Opposition Strategy and Counter-Moves

While the Thackeray cousins project a unified front, rival parties, particularly the BJP, have sought to downplay their influence. Fadnavis’ dismissal of the Thackerays’ threat as “empty” is part of a broader strategy to project confidence and undermine the narrative of cultural dominance being propagated by the Shiv Sena factions. Analysts suggest that the BJP’s approach combines political messaging, ground-level organization, and attempts to appeal to non-Marathi voters in Mumbai, countering the Thackeray emphasis on ethnic pride.

This clash of narratives — the Thackerays’ appeal to Marathi identity versus the BJP’s focus on governance and development — sets the stage for a highly competitive election in the BMC. Both sides appear to recognize the symbolic and practical significance of controlling India’s wealthiest municipal body, which manages a budget larger than many state governments.

Looking Ahead

As the countdown to the January 15 elections continues, both the Thackeray cousins and their rivals are intensifying campaigns across Mumbai’s wards. Political rallies, door-to-door outreach, and targeted messaging are expected to increase in frequency and intensity. For the Thackeray factions, victory in the BMC would not only signify municipal control but also reaffirm the enduring political and cultural influence of their family in Mumbai.

Observers note that the political rhetoric, including claims of shutting down Mumbai in ten minutes, reflects the high stakes and deep emotional investment in the election. Whether such statements translate into tangible electoral outcomes or remain symbolic posturing will depend on voter engagement, party organization, and the effectiveness of ground-level strategies in the coming days.

In a city where politics, culture, and identity intersect, the BMC election serves as a crucial barometer of not only municipal governance but also the evolving political currents that will shape Maharashtra’s future. As parties mobilize resources and voters prepare to cast their ballots, the Thackerays’ legacy, influence, and ability to appeal to Marathi pride will be closely scrutinized, with implications for both city-level administration and state-level power dynamics.