Maharashtra Navnirman Sena

On this special report, India Today examines the first reaction from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray following the party's performance in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Despite the MNS failing to reach double digits in seat counts, Thackeray remains defiant about the party's core ideology. He stated, 'Our fight is for the Marathi Manus, for the Marathi language, for Marathi identity, and for a prosperous Maharashtra.' Thackeray described the electoral contest as a battle of 'tremendous money, power, and the power of authority against Shiva Shakti.' While the BJP-led Mahayuti and the Uddhav Thackeray faction secured significant seats, the MNS leader urged his workers and newly elected corporators to continue standing up for the Marathi people. The programme analyses whether the 'Marathi agenda' still resonates with Mumbai's voters and what the future holds for the MNS as they navigate this political setback in the state's capital.

In this news bulletin, the focus is on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election results where the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, has secured a significant victory. The reporter notes that it has been a 'thumping victory for the Mahayuti in these civic body elections,' marking a shift in Mumbai's political landscape. The transcript highlights the defeat of the Thackeray-led faction, ending their long-standing dominance over the cash-rich BMC, which operates with a budget exceeding ₹74,000 crores. While the UBT faction managed to secure around 70 seats, the Shinde faction made significant inroads into traditional Thackeray strongholds. The programme discusses the national ramifications of these results for the NDA and the focus on transforming Mumbai from a 'mega city' into a 'giga city' through massive infrastructure development. Allegations regarding EVM malfunctions and voter list discrepancies from opposition members are also mentioned amidst the widespread celebrations at the BJP and Shinde faction headquarters.

A political firestorm has erupted ahead of the 2026 BMC polls, with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray at the centre of a controversy for targeting Tamilians. In a Mumbai rally, Thackeray revived an old divisive slogan, stating, 'Hatao lungi, bajao pungi,' a call interpreted as inciting violence against South Indians. His remarks were aimed at BJP leader K. Annamalai, whom he mockingly called 'Rasmalai' after Annamalai described Mumbai as a 'global city' rather than just belonging to Maharashtra. The incident is being condemned as a dangerous attempt to stir regional chauvinism and identity politics for electoral gain. In response, Annamalai has stated he will not be intimidated and will continue to visit Mumbai, while the BJP claims his original comments were twisted for political purposes.

Ahead of the civic elections on January 15, a major political row erupted after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray targeted BJP leader K Annamalai during a joint rally.

BJP leader K. Annamalai has strongly responded to MNS chief Raj Thackeray after being targeted with insults at a Mumbai rally ahead of the BMC polls. After Thackeray called him 'Rasmalai' and revived the 'Hatao Lungi, Bajao Pungi' slogan, Annamalai issued a direct challenge: 'I will come to Mumbai, do what you want'. He asserted that he is not scared of any threats, adding that the Thackerays are in the habit of insulting Tamils and run their 'business' by issuing such threats. Annamalai, who identifies as the 'son of a farmer', stated that he considers earning the anger of the Thackerays a great achievement. The war of words erupted after Annamalai campaigned for BJP councillors in Mumbai, focusing on the city's Tamil-speaking population.

A political firestorm has erupted in Mumbai ahead of the BMC polls, with the Adani Group at its centre. The bulletin reports on a joint rally at Shivaji Park where Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of facilitating land grabs to benefit the Adani Group. Thackeray alleged that the business house has seen unprecedented growth in the last decade and that the BJP is conspiring to favour the corporate entity. In response, the BJP targeted Thackeray, posting images of him meeting other business leaders and alleging he has questionable preferences, urging Mumbai's citizens to be cautious. The confrontation highlights the escalating tensions between the political parties as the crucial civic elections approach.

A political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra following remarks by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray. Ahead of the BMC polls, Thackeray targeted BJP leader K. Annamalai, mocking him as 'Rasmalai' and questioning his right to speak on Mumbai matters. In his speech, Thackeray also invoked his uncle Balasaheb Thackeray's controversial slogan, 'Uthao Lungi, Bajao Pungi,' in a clear jibe at South Indians. These comments have led to allegations that the MNS is deliberately stoking regional prejudice to polarise the Marathi vote bank. Critics suggest this is a move to revive the party's political fortunes by pitting Marathis against people from other states, including North Indians, Gujaratis, and South Indians.

This special report focuses on a major political realignment in Maharashtra, where Thackeray cousins Uddhav Thackeray, President of Shiv Sena (UBT), and Raj Thackeray, President of MNS, held a joint rally at Mumbai's iconic Shivaji Park. The two have formed an alliance for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, stating they have joined hands for the benefit of the 'Marathi Manus'. Taking the opportunity to attack his rivals, Uddhav Thackeray stated that 'helpless monkeys can't become tigers' and asserted that the Jan Sangh, the BJP's precursor, had no role in Maharashtra's fight. The report highlights that this pivotal moment sees the brothers reunite after Raj Thackeray had earlier split from the Shiv Sena to form his own party, with their shared cause now being a focus on Marathi identity ahead of the crucial civic polls.

In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming BMC elections, the Thackeray brothers have reunited after two decades to release a joint manifesto. Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS Chief Raj Thackeray unveiled the ‘Vachan Nama’, pledging to protect the interests of the Marathi Manus and Mumbai. During the launch, Raj Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the ruling alliance, stating, ‘I have been telling you for many years that this Maharashtra is doing UP Bihar.’ Uddhav Thackeray also accused the BJP of undermining democratic norms and ‘resorting to stealing candidates after vote theft’.

In a significant political development ahead of the BMC elections, the Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, have come together to release a joint manifesto, termed 'Vachan Nama'. Addressing a press conference at Shiv Sena Bhavan, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray remarked that visiting the headquarters felt like 'coming out of jail after 20 years', highlighting the emotional weight of the reunion. Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray attacked the ruling Mahayuti alliance, alleging a 'vote stealing' scam and criticizing the handling of illegal migrants. The manifesto promises a Marathi Mayor for Mumbai, financial assistance of ₹1,500 for women, and a focus on desalination projects to solve the city's water crisis. The leaders emphasized the 'Marathi Manus' identity while countering the BJP's Hindutva narrative.

In a historic political development, the estranged Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, have reunited after 20 years to contest the upcoming Mumbai civic body (BMC) polls together. Sharing the stage in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray asserted that 'Mumbai will stay with us' and vowed to foil any bid to divide the city. MNS chief Raj Thackeray emphasized that Maharashtra is bigger than any petty feud. The alliance comes as the BJP, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, criticized the move as an 'opportunistic alliance' born out of fear of defeat. Meanwhile, MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande sparked controversy with a warning to North Indians, stating, 'Batoge toh pitoge, agar aap Marathi ka aapmang karoge.' The report by Mustafa Sheikh explores the impact of this reunion on the political landscape.

A transcript outlines a press conference regarding a significant political alliance in Maharashtra, reportedly taking place on December 24. The text describes two prominent leaders, referred to as the 'Dhakre brothers', joining forces after 20 years to contest the upcoming BMC polls. Key topics include the strategic division of seats, which one speaker dismisses as 'immaterial' compared to the broader goal, and the ideological focus on the 'Marathi Manus'. The discussion highlights a resolve to ensure Mumbai remains integral to Maharashtra, countering alleged attempts to separate it. The speakers also seek blessings from late leaders before addressing the media about their vision for the state's civic elections.

On this Special Report, India Today's Mustafa Shaikh discusses the historic reunion of the Thackeray brothers ahead of the BMC polls. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have announced a new alliance, prioritising the 'Marathi Manush' and the welfare of Maharashtra. Mustafa Shaikh notes that while the seat-sharing formula is yet to be decided, both parties have committed to fighting all seats together without 'friendly fights'. The programme explores the challenges for the opposition and the political dynamics as the Congress decides to fight alone.

In this Special Report, India Today's Principal Correspondent Mustafa Shaikh reports live from Worli on the historic reunion of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray ahead of the crucial BMC elections. After a 'crushing defeat' in the 2024 Assembly polls, the estranged cousins have joined forces to consolidate the 'Marathi Manoos' vote bank against the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Mustafa highlights the emergence of the 'Fakta Thackeray Brand' slogan as a key narrative in this high-stakes battle for Mumbai. The report explores whether this emotional reunion can overcome the dominance of the BJP and Eknath Shinde's faction, which recently swept the local body elections. With the Congress opting out of the alliance for now, the 'Thackeray Brand' faces a litmus test in its bid to reclaim the prestigious civic body.

In a major political development ahead of the BMC elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has confirmed that seat-sharing talks between his party and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have been finalised. This comes as the Congress party announced it will contest the polls solo, signaling a split in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Meanwhile, the ruling Mahayuti alliance is buoyed by a significant victory in the recent Maharashtra local body elections, winning over 200 local bodies. The report highlights the shifting alliances and the high stakes for the Thackeray brothers in the first BMC election since the Shiv Sena and NCP splits.

A major political realignment may be underway in Maharashtra, with a potential tie-up between the Thackeray cousins, Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray of MNS, for the upcoming BMC elections. According to India Today's Hrithvik Bhalekar, after a key meeting at the Samana newspaper office attended by Sanjay Raut, a pact is nearly finalised. Bhalekar reports, 'he has clarified that we have almost sealed the pact for seat sharing between both the parties and very soon, not more than 72 hours will take to announce an official alliance'. Sources suggest MNS is claiming 60-70 of the 227 seats, with the UBT Sena contesting over 150. However, the alliance faces a hurdle as the state leadership of the Congress party has opposed any coalition that includes the MNS, creating uncertainty for the broader MVA.

In this report, India Today correspondent Vidya details the shifting political alliances in Maharashtra ahead of the civic body elections. She reports that Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are set to unite for the BMC, Thane, and Nashik polls. Consequently, the Congress party has decided to contest independently, distancing itself from the Shiv Sena (UBT) due to the MNS's anti-North Indian stance. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has confirmed the Thackeray brothers' collaboration.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, along with his family, visited Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray’s residence in Mumbai on the occasion of Ganeshotsav, marking a significant family reunion after nearly two decades of estrangement.

A language dispute is intensifying in Maharashtra following an assault on a shopkeeper in Vikhroli by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers over a WhatsApp status. MNS Chief Raj Thackeray has escalated the rhetoric, stating, "if someone does not understand Marathi, they will be slammed." Justifying the attack on the Vikhroli shopkeeper, Thackeray claimed the individual was beaten because of his attitude. This follows a series of incidents where MNS workers, reportedly emboldened by their chief, have threatened multiple people, including shopkeepers in Thane. The party workers had also previously vandalized the office of investor Sushil K. Daya and assaulted a Deemat employee as part of their ongoing campaign.

A complaint has been filed against Raj Thackeray and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) with the Prime Minister's Office, Home Minister's Office, and the Election Commission of India. The complainant, identified as a lawyer, seeks to denotify MNS from the Election Commission. The complaint alleges that MNS is promoting enmity between groups and creating law and order problems in Maharashtra. It further states that since its inception, MNS has been attempting to divide society on the basis of language and other issues. The development comes in the wake of recent attacks in the state related to a language dispute.