BMC Elections
- Past BMC Election Results
- Know your Booth Location
- Standing Committee Members
- BMC Elections 2017 Delimitation
- New Ward List Civic Elections 2025
- New Wards Maps for BMC Elections 2025
- BMC Election 2025 Date
- CEO Maharashtra
- Know Your BMC
- BMC News & Updates
- Wards
- Candidates
- Mumbai Corporators
- Advertise
- Contact
- Volunteer
- Privacy Policy
Uddhav Thackeray: “INDIA Bloc Has No Strings Attached, Final Call on Alliance Lies with Brothers Themselves"
- by Webdesk
- 08 Aug 2025
Source: Hindustan Times
Mumbai: During his recent visit to the national capital for a meeting with INDIA bloc allies, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray addressed growing speculation around a possible alliance with his cousin Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Speaking to the media on Thursday, Uddhav made it clear that such a decision rests solely between the two Thackerays, and that the INDIA alliance has no involvement in it.
“We two brothers are capable of handling any decision related to an alliance on our own,” Uddhav stated firmly. “The INDIA bloc has absolutely no role in this matter. There are no conditions or expectations set by them.” Uddhav was responding to questions about whether the INDIA bloc had initiated or influenced any discussions about a tie-up between his faction of the Shiv Sena and Raj Thackeray’s party.
He further clarified that any developments regarding the alliance would be discussed only in the state. “This is an issue concerning Maharashtra. I will speak about it when I’m back there,” Uddhav added, keeping the focus of the media interaction on the national alliance meeting.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader’s statement comes amid increased political chatter in Maharashtra over a potential strategic collaboration between the Thackeray cousins ahead of crucial local body polls and the upcoming Assembly elections. While no formal confirmation has been given from either side, the possibility of a united front has kept the political temperature high in the state.
Criticism of State Election Commission Over VVPAT
Apart from the alliance topic, Uddhav also strongly criticized the State Election Commission (SEC) for its controversial decision to exclude the use of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines in the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra.
Raising serious concerns over the transparency and credibility of the electoral process, Uddhav questioned the intention behind the move. “If VVPATs are not used, how can a voter be sure that their vote has gone to the intended party or candidate?” he asked. “This decision is a blow to democratic accountability. It seems like an attempt to make the election process less transparent.”
He emphasized the importance of voter confidence in the electoral machinery and argued that removing VVPATs not only weakens the system but could also lead to widespread mistrust among citizens. “At a time when trust in institutions is critical, such decisions only raise more questions,” he remarked.
Uddhav’s sharp criticism of the SEC is expected to escalate the debate around electoral transparency, especially with elections to key municipal corporations and zilla parishads on the horizon.
With the INDIA bloc attempting to present a united opposition at the national level and regional alliances being reconsidered at the state level, Uddhav Thackeray’s statements signal both clarity of position and a readiness to challenge undemocratic practices.
Image Courtesy:
Related News
This article is based on publicly available information from credible sources (as mentioned above) and has been restructured using a combination of AI tools and manual editorial inputs to enhance clarity and readability. While we aim to maintain accuracy, there may be unintentional errors or misinterpretations. If you come across any incorrect or misleading information, please report it to us at info@bmcelections.com.
Copyright © 2026 All Rights Reserved | BMC Election