Uddhav Thackeray calls BMC polls ‘acid test’, keeps door half open for MNS tie-up

“Every BMC election has been called an acid test for us since 1997. Each time, we have emerged stronger because of the confidence of our Shiv Sainiks. This one will be no different,” he said, according to a functionary present at the meeting.

While maintaining that preparations must be “100 per cent for all wards”, Uddhav confirmed that discussions with the MNS were underway. Former corporators present had reportedly told him that an alliance with Raj Thackeray would resonate with Marathi voters and improve the party’s prospects. The MNS is learnt to be seeking 90–95 seats in the 227-member civic body, though leaders from both camps said “seat-to-seat negotiations” would eventually bring the number down.

On Tuesday, Uddhav had publicly signalled that a tie-up with the MNS was “almost certain” and would be announced at an “appropriate time”.

The Sena (UBT) chief also drew a hard line on former corporators who had crossed over to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s camp and are now exploring a return. “Many of their places have already been taken up by other Shiv Sainiks. If they return, there is no guarantee of tickets. The decision will rest with you, the grassroots workers,” he told shakha pramukhs, according to sources.

He added that defectors were sending “messages through intermediaries” but that their re-entry could happen only with the approval of local cadres.

Uddhav sharpened his attack on the BJP-Shinde alliance, alleging that its sole political aim was to “finish the Thackeray brand”. “Even in their rally yesterday, they did not target the NCP or Congress — only Uddhav Thackeray. That is their mission, which is why this BMC election is our acid test,” he said.

Reminding workers of the Sena’s past performances, he recalled how the party had once reached a tally of 103 corporators in the civic house. He asked cadres to highlight the development work carried out under the Sena’s control of the BMC over the past two decades.

Referring to his recent outreach to cousin Raj Thackeray after two decades, Uddhav said, “When we came together, people were happy. Congress and NCP leaders have been asking what we plan to do next. Leave that to me. But our preparations must be total, for all 227 seats”.