**Title:** Fadnavis Critiques Thackeray Cousins’ Alliance Ahead of BMC Elections
**Meta Description:** Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis comments on the alliance between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, citing fear of the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti ahead of BMC elections.
**URL Slug:** thackeray-alliance-bmc-elections
**Headline:** Fadnavis Comments on Thackeray Cousins’ Alliance Before BMC Elections
In a recent campaign rally in north Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the alliance between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, which has emerged ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections scheduled for January 15. Fadnavis suggested that their collaboration stems from fear of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), rather than any genuine affection.
“This is not a preeti sangam, but a bheeti sangam,” Fadnavis remarked, indicating that the cousins have united out of fear rather than love. He humorously noted that a cartoonist (Raj) and a photographer (Uddhav) have come together, but he believes it represents a union of confusion and corruption.
Fadnavis also challenged the Thackerays, offering a reward of Rs 1,000 to anyone who could find Uddhav Thackeray discussing development. He later increased the reward to Rs 2,000, emphasizing his skepticism about their commitment to progress.
During the rally, Fadnavis pointed out that the Thackerays unveiled their manifesto on the same day as the birth anniversary of Rajmata Jijabai, the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, suggesting they could have chosen a more significant date. He expressed concern over their recent associations, hinting at a shift in their political alliances.
The rally featured the launch of the ruling alliance’s campaign song, “Mahapalika radate aahe,” which criticizes the alleged mismanagement during the Shiv Sena (UBT) era in the BMC. The song was composed by Avadhoot Gupte, who previously created a popular track for the undivided Shiv Sena in 2009.
In a notable development for the ruling party, former Mayor Shubha Raul joined the BJP during the rally, resigning from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). This move is seen as a setback for the Thackerays as they prepare for the upcoming elections.
As the BMC elections approach, the political landscape in Maharashtra continues to evolve, with the ruling alliance positioning itself strongly against the Thackeray cousins.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What is the significance of the alliance between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray?**
A: The alliance is seen as a strategic move to counter the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance ahead of the BMC elections, reflecting a shared concern about their political future.
