In a surprising outcome that reshapes Maharashtra’s urban political landscape, the much-publicized unions of the Thackeray and Pawar political families failed to sway voters in the state’s local body elections. Despite high-profile rallies, media coverage, and promises of unity, the results on Friday demonstrated that electoral math does not always align with political symbolism.

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Thackerays’ Alliance in Mumbai Falls Short

The union of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray in Mumbai, aimed at consolidating Marathi political influence, failed to deliver the expected results. The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction, SS-UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) alliance managed to secure only 71 of Mumbai’s 227 seats, a fraction of the 118 seats captured by the BJP and Shinde Sena alliance.

The Thackeray cousins had publicly reunited on July 5, 2025, after a two-decade-long political rift. The event was framed as a demonstration of “Marathi unity,” with both leaders pledging to protect the language, culture, and identity of Mumbai’s Marathi population. Uddhav Thackeray declared, “Maharashtra belongs to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and every proud Marathi. We must protect our language and identity at all costs… we have come together to stay together.”

Raj Thackeray, while focusing on language issues and opposing the imposition of Hindi in schools, did not directly address the alliance publicly at the rally. Despite drawing large crowds, the alliance failed to convert popular attention into votes. Analysts suggest that BJP’s strong campaign and continued outreach in Marathi-dominated constituencies effectively neutralized the Thackeray alliance’s momentum, leading to the end of 25 years of Shiv Sena dominance in the BMC.

Within the city, the SS (UBT) won 65 seats out of 163 contested, while the MNS managed 6 seats from 52 contested. This result highlights that despite symbolic gestures and reunions, voter behavior in Mumbai prioritized development-focused campaigns over appeals to identity politics.

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Pawar Factions’ United Front in Pune Falls Flat

In Pune, the other high-profile alliance between Ajit Pawar’s NCP and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) similarly failed to make a significant impact. The two factions, which had long been rivals, came together after extended negotiations in late December 2025 and early January 2026. They released a joint manifesto on January 10, 2026, promising civic improvements such as free Metro train and bus services. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and MP Supriya Sule were both present for the manifesto release, although Sule was largely absent from active campaigning.

Despite this attempt at unity, the NCP alliance could secure only 23 seats out of 176 contested—Ajit Pawar’s faction winning 20, and NCP (SP) three. In stark contrast, the BJP retained dominance, winning 96 out of 165 seats and securing control over Pune Municipal Corporation for a second consecutive term.

Ajit Pawar faced additional challenges during the campaign due to attacks from BJP leaders for breaking the Mahayuti alliance to contest against the opposition NCP (SP). However, the BJP maintained its focus on development-oriented messaging, highlighting achievements and ongoing projects, which resonated more with Pune voters. BJP leader Murlidhar Mohol said, “During the campaign, we were focused on development and the work we carried out. NCP attacked us, but people did not like it.”

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Why the Alliances Failed

The failure of both family unions in Maharashtra’s urban polls underscores several political realities:

1. Symbolism vs. Substance: While reunions and alliances generate media attention and large rallies, voters increasingly prioritize governance, civic development, and delivery of public services over familial or identity-based politics.
2. BJP’s Organized Campaign: Across both Mumbai and Pune, the BJP and its allies maintained disciplined, well-coordinated campaigns focusing on tangible achievements, infrastructure projects, and welfare initiatives.
3. Changing Demographics: In cities like Mumbai and Pune, changing demographics, urban migration, and diverse voter priorities mean that appeals to Marathi identity alone are insufficient to win a majority.
4. Legacy Politics Fatigue: Long-standing political families, including the Thackerays and Pawars, are facing voter fatigue, with a growing preference for alternatives promising accountability and development.

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Political Implications

The election results have immediate ramifications for Maharashtra’s political landscape:

• Thackeray Factions: Losing control of the BMC is a significant blow for Uddhav Thackeray, reducing both political influence and revenue streams for the party. Raj Thackeray’s MNS remains a minor player, highlighting the limits of regional, identity-focused mobilization.
• Pawar Factions: The failure to gain traction in Pune limits Ajit Pawar’s influence in urban centers and raises questions about the effectiveness of reunification strategies for the NCP. Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) also struggles to maintain relevance in its traditional strongholds.
• BJP Consolidation: The BJP’s sweeping victories in Mumbai and Pune reinforce the party’s dominance in urban Maharashtra, highlighting Devendra Fadnavis’ effective leadership and strategic campaigning in consolidating voter support.

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Conclusion

The results of Maharashtra’s local body elections indicate that family alliances and historical political legacies alone are no longer sufficient to secure electoral victories in urban areas. Symbolic gestures, such as the Thackeray cousins’ reunion and the NCP factions’ coalition, were unable to overcome the organized campaign strategies, pro-development messaging, and wider appeal of the BJP.

For the Thackeray and Pawar families, the verdict is a wake-up call to rethink strategies and focus on tangible outcomes to reconnect with the urban electorate. For the BJP, the results confirm that disciplined campaigning, coalition management, and development-oriented messaging continue to be effective tools for urban electoral success.