Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray Face-Off Over Nominated BMC Corporators Triggers Speculation After Recent Reunion

Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray Face-Off

Mumbai, February 22, 2026 – Less than two months after the high-profile reunion of Thackeray cousins Raj and Uddhav ended a 20-year family rift, the newly formed electoral alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is already under strain over the allocation of nominated seats in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The tension centres on the 10 nominated corporator positions created under a 2023 amendment to the BMC Act. These seats are distributed among parties in proportion to their strength in the 227-member elected house. Shiv Sena (UBT), which secured 65 seats in the recent civic polls, is entitled to nominate three members. The BJP, with 89 seats, qualifies for four, while the remaining three will be allocated among the Congress, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and the AIMIM.

Sources indicate that the Raj Thackeray-led MNS, which won only six seats despite contesting in alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT), has demanded one nominated seat from Uddhav Thackeray’s quota. The demand was reportedly declined, prompting visible discontent within MNS ranks.

Cryptic Social Media Messages Fuel Buzz

Several MNS leaders have posted cryptic messages on social media, including the pointed remark: “Why bother with love when the heart isn’t in it?” The posts have generated significant speculation about the future of the alliance.

MNS leader Avinash Abhyankar confirmed that the party recently held a meeting with senior state functionaries to review organisational matters. “Reports from the districts will be sent to Raj Thackeray and then a final decision will be taken,” he stated. Addressing the nominated seats issue directly, Abhyankar added: “This is an alliance between two brothers and two parties. Raj Thackeray will decide on whether to claim a seat in Uddhav Thackeray’s party’s quota. No final decision has been taken. Raj Thackeray and the party’s senior leaders will take a call.”

Uddhav Camp Dismisses Rift Rumours

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey sought to downplay the developments, describing the two leaders as mature and far-sighted. “Both Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are intelligent and progressive leaders. They are not people to bicker over small issues. The brothers are united for Marathi pride and will remain so,” Dubey asserted. He added that remarks or social media updates by junior leaders would not be allowed to disturb the alliance.

Raj Thackeray’s Meeting with Eknath Shinde Adds Layer of Intrigue

The situation has been further complicated by Raj Thackeray’s recent meeting with Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde. The interaction has sparked rumours of potential realignments in Maharashtra’s fluid political landscape.

Historic Reunion and Its Early Test

The cousins had reunited ahead of the BMC polls, marking the first major collaboration since Raj Thackeray split from the original Shiv Sena in 2006 to form the MNS. The development was widely viewed as a strategic consolidation of Marathi political forces in India’s financial capital.

With the deadline for submitting names of nominated corporators approaching, political observers are closely monitoring how the Thackeray family resolves this early challenge. While both camps continue to emphasise unity, the episode highlights the complex dynamics that continue to shape Maharashtra politics.

The resolution of the nominated seats dispute is expected to provide the first substantive test of the renewed Thackeray alliance and its long-term stability.