Fadnavis mocks Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance, compares hype to Russia-Ukraine peace talks

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday criticised the newly announced alliance between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), describing it as an attempt to artificially generate political hype despite both parties having lost relevance.

Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis compared the publicity around the alliance to major international events, saying, “They are trying to create hype as if something as historic as peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are taking place, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Vladimir Putin finally sitting across the table. This hype is being deliberately manufactured by both Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS.”

He added that both parties had weakened themselves through what he termed appeasement politics, which led to a decline in their support base. “These are parties that have lost relevance after indulging in appeasement politics and losing their support. Their coming together offers no benefit to the people,” Fadnavis said.

The Chief Minister further suggested that the alliance was motivated by political survival rather than ideology. “In a desperate attempt to save their existence, they have joined hands, believing that no party can win alone. However, the people of Maharashtra have seen our work, and it is on that basis that the Mahayuti will emerge victorious,” he asserted.

Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS Alliance Announced

Earlier, UBT Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray publicly announced their alliance ahead of the upcoming municipal elections. The announcement came after the cousins paid tributes to party founder Balasaheb Thackeray.

Raj Thackeray said, “The moment that Maharashtra was waiting for a long time that Shiv Sena and MNS should come together, today we are officially announcing the same.”

Uddhav Thackeray added, “We have come together to stay together.”

The alliance also signals a renewed focus on identity politics in Maharashtra. Uddhav Thackeray emphasised that the needs of the Marathi manoos would remain a priority, while Raj Thackeray stated, “Maharashtra is bigger than any quarrel; we are announcing that our alliance has been formed, the mayor of Mumbai will be a Marathi and will be ours.”

Upcoming Municipal Elections

The Maharashtra State Election Commission has scheduled elections for 29 municipal corporations across the state, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Polling is set for January 15, with counting to take place on January 16.