BJP dismisses Uddhav-Raj meet as insignificant, claims it won’t sway BMC election results

by Webdesk
05 Oct 2025

Mumbai: Senior BJP leaders on Sunday sought to play down the political buzz surrounding the meeting between Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and his cousin, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, asserting that their renewed camaraderie would have no bearing on the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.The speculation about a possible Uddhav-Raj alliance began soon after Uddhav stated that his bond with Raj was “long-term,” sparking widespread chatter about the cousins possibly joining hands ahead of the civic polls.

Veteran BJP MLA and former state minister Sudhir Mungantiwar downplayed the significance of the meeting. “God made both Uddhav and Raj members of the same family, yet they chose different paths. Now, what’s the point in Uddhav repeatedly saying they’ll stay united? Even the late Balasaheb Thackeray’s wish for their unity was ignored,” he remarked.

Mungantiwar added that the BJP harbors no objection to the Thackeray cousins reconciling. “We genuinely wish that they come together wholeheartedly, but this won’t impact the political outcome in any major way,” he said.

Taking a sharp jab at Uddhav, the BJP leader questioned his contribution to governance. “Merely criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not amount to doing constructive work. What has Uddhav really achieved for the people? Criticism alone doesn’t bring progress,” Mungantiwar said.

He added that citizens were far more concerned about issues like the recent crop damage in Marathwada caused by excessive rains than about social gatherings involving the Thackeray cousins. “People are not interested in knowing what breakfast they shared, who greeted whom, or what they ate. What truly matters is whether they present practical solutions or meaningful ideas. Endless election talk won’t impress voters,” he asserted.

The much-discussed meeting took place at the naming ceremony of Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut’s grandchild in Mumbai. Videos circulating on social media showed Raj, Uddhav, Aaditya Thackeray, and senior leaders like Anil Desai and Milind Narvekar sharing light-hearted moments and laughter at the function.

Meanwhile, BJP MLC Pravin Darekar echoed Mungantiwar’s stance, emphasizing that the BJP had “nothing to do” with the Thackeray cousins’ renewed proximity. “Uddhav distanced himself from Raj for years because he didn’t need him. Now, suddenly, he seems to realize he does. If Raj chooses to forgive his past insults, that’s between them — the BJP is unbothered,” Darekar said.

Responding to claims that an MNS-Sena (UBT) alliance might worry the ruling coalition, Darekar dismissed the notion as “purely imaginary.” “There’s no truth to the claims that the Mahayuti is scared. Ultimately, it’s the voters who will decide at the ballot box,” he added.

According to Darekar, even if such an alliance materializes, it won’t shift the outcome of the BMC elections. “The Mahayuti—comprising the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the NCP—will secure more seats. People’s opinions evolve over time, and their political choices don’t change overnight,” he said confidently.

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) currently includes Uddhav’s Sena (UBT), the Congress, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) faction. While the MVA hopes for a comeback in Mumbai’s civic polls, the Mahayuti remains equally determined to retain its growing influence across Maharashtra.

Interestingly, the frequency of Uddhav-Raj meetings has increased in recent months. Their recent interactions follow their joint appearance at the July 5 “Victory Rally”, organized to celebrate the state government’s rollback of the controversial three-language formula for primary school students. The policy reversal came after strong opposition from Marathi-speaking groups who viewed it as an attempt to impose Hindi over the local language.

Political observers say these meetings signal an attempt by both cousins to reconnect with their Marathi voter base, which remains crucial in Mumbai’s local elections.

Before the 2022 split in the Bal Thackeray-founded Shiv Sena, the party had enjoyed an uninterrupted reign over the BMC for more than two decades, using the civic body as a symbol of its power in Mumbai’s politics. However, following the split and subsequent loss of power, both the Uddhav Thackeray faction and Raj Thackeray’s MNS are struggling to regain lost ground.

With civic polls expected by year-end, the political landscape in Maharashtra is heating up rapidly. While talks of a Thackeray reunion have stirred curiosity among supporters, the BJP and Shinde Sena seem unfazed, maintaining that the Mahayuti remains firmly positioned to dominate the elections.

As Mungantiwar summed up, “The people of Mumbai will not be influenced by emotional reunions. They will vote for performance, stability, and leadership that delivers.”

Image Courtesy:

02 Jan 2026

BMC Elections

BJP dismisses Uddhav-Raj meet as insignificant, claims it won’t sway BMC election results

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