BMC Polls: Thackeray Brothers Unveil ‘Vachan Nama’ Manifesto

January 4, 2026

In a significant political development ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) jointly unveiled their election manifesto titled ‘Vachan Nama’. The move marks a renewed political collaboration between the two leaders, ending decades of rivalry and aiming to consolidate support in Mumbai’s key civic contest.<

शिवशक्तीचा वचननामा म्हणजे,
मराठी माणसाच्या, मुंबईकरांच्या भल्याचा विचार!

हाच विचार घेऊन वचननाम्याच्या माध्यमातून ‘ठाकरेंनी’ मराठी माणसाला पुन्हा एकदा आज शब्द दिलाय, आम्ही पुन्हा करून दाखवणारच!

आज शिवसेना भवन येथे पक्षप्रमुख मा.श्री.उद्धवसाहेब ठाकरे आणि महाराष्ट्र नवनिर्माण… pic.twitter.com/jds5wdIcmw

— ShivSena – शिवसेना Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (@ShivSenaUBT_) January 4, 2026

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Promise of a Marathi Mayor

A central pledge in the joint manifesto is the promise that Mumbai’s next mayor will be a Marathi individual, underscoring the leaders’ emphasis on local identity and Marathi pride as part of their campaign appeal ahead of the January 15 polls.

Focus on Development and Identity

The ‘Vachan Nama’ manifesto outlines a shared vision that includes protecting Marathi culture while also focusing on development priorities for the city. The alliance seeks to appeal to voters by balancing cultural identity with promises of civic improvement.

Political Context and Reactions

The manifesto release comes amid broader political tension in the run-up to the BMC elections, with other parties also staking claims on issues of identity and governance. Critics and rival leaders have challenged the Thackeray alliance’s promises, saying such planks may be divisive or politically motivated.

Election Stakes High in Mumbai

The BMC polls, scheduled for mid-January, hold high stakes as control of India’s richest civic body can influence local administration and development priorities. The combined strength of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS is expected to intensify competition with rival alliances for control of the corporation.