Uddhav Bal Keshav Thackeray is an Indian politician and 19th Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He is also the President of Shiv Sena, a Hindu nationalist party founded by his father Bal Thackeray.
Thackeray was born to Bal Thackeray and Mina Thackeray in Mumbai and completed his schooling from Balmohan Vidyamandir from Maharashtra. He has two brothers and his cousin Raj Thackeray is also a famed politician. Thackeray was born on 27 July, 1960.
A graduate of Jamsetjee Jeejebhoy School of Art, he tied knot to Rashmi Patankar and has two sons. His elder son Aditya Thackeray is also a Shiv Sena leader and is currently serving as Cabinet Minister of Tourism and Environment for the government of Maharashtra. Thackeray is an accomplished photographer. He has also published two books 'Maharashtra Desh' and 'Pahava Vitthal'. The name of his official Facebook page is Uddhav Thackeray.
Thackeray made his political debut when he was made the campaign incharge of Shiv Sena in the Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation(BMC) in 2002 and the party won. He was appointed as the working President of Shiv Sena in 2003 and he became the Editor-in-Chief of his party's political mouthpiece Saamana in 2006. In the same year, Raj Thackeray formed his own party 'Maharashtra Navnirman Sena' after a split in Shiv Sena.
Uddhav Thackeray took over the reins of the party after the death of his father in 2012 and became the President in 2013.
He became the first member of the Thackeray family to occupy a berth in any government. He took oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on November 28, 2019.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the final rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Baramati. Following his tragic demise in a plane crash, the state has declared a three-day mourning period. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reached Vidya Pratishthan to pay their respects, where full state honours are being accorded. An unidentified speaker and former NCP colleague paid tribute, stating, 'He was our leader and we used to love him... he had absolute control over the administration.' The programme highlights the arrival of various political dignitaries, including Raj Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray, and Home Minister Amit Shah. The report reflects on Ajit Pawar's legacy as a regional satrap and his significant contribution to Maharashtra's administration and political landscape. The atmosphere in Baramati remains somber as citizens and leaders gather to bid farewell to the 66-year-old leader.
This news bulletin covers the final journey and last rites of leader Ajit Pawar in Baramati, Maharashtra. The report details the arrival of dignitaries, including former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, to pay their last respects. The speaker notes that 'Maharashtra still grieves, as Maharashtra still bids farewell' to a leader described as the 'king of Baramati' for decades. The mortal remains are scheduled to be taken from the government hospital to his native village, Katewadi, before a final procession to the Vidya Pratishthan ground. The transcript highlights that the funeral will be conducted with full state honours, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah expected to attend. Supporters and party workers from across the state have gathered to participate in the 'Antim Yatra' and offer their final tributes. The programme reflects on the profound grief and the political vacuum left by the leader's passing, emphasizing his connection to his home turf and his reputation for time management and aesthetic sense.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP and senior party leader Arvind Sawant paid an emotional tribute to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a tragic plane crash on Wednesday, describing him as a “trustworthy man” and a “man of his words.”
On this Special Report, the focus is on the reactions from the political fraternity following a significant and somber development. Sanjay Raut, a prominent leader from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction, joined several other politicians in expressing his grief. The transcript highlights a rare moment of political unity as leaders 'cutting across party lines are expressing their condolences on a very, very somber moment today.' While the specific nature of the event is described as a moment of mourning, the emphasis remains on the collective tribute paid by the political class. The programme captures the gravity of the situation as the nation observes this period of loss. Sanjay Raut’s remarks reflect the shared sentiment of the political leadership during this time of mourning, underscoring the impact of the news on the country's political landscape.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the political row erupting in Maharashtra following the announcement of the Padma Awards. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has strongly criticised the decision to confer a Padma honour upon Bhagat Singh Koshyari, the former Governor of Maharashtra. The party alleged that the 'man who murdered democracy to install BJP-Shinde government in state is being honoured' by the Modi government. The transcript highlights the friction stemming from the 2022 political crisis when the Uddhav Thackeray-led government lost its majority. While the opposition views the award as a reward for enabling the current Eknath Shinde-BJP administration, the report also notes Koshyari's long political career, including his time spent in jail during the Emergency and his tenure as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. The programme explores the deepening divide between the Sena UBT and the ruling alliance over this controversial recognition.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the political fallout in Maharashtra following the BMC poll results. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has launched a scathing attack on his political rivals, reiterating allegations of 'vote chori' or vote theft. Addressing his party cadre in Mumbai, Thackeray stated, 'You can buy votes, but how can you buy spirit?' He expressed disappointment that 'traitors' from within, rather than outsiders, were being used in an attempt to finish the Thackeray name and legacy. While Thackeray did not explicitly name Eknath Shinde, his remarks were clearly directed at the Shinde faction and the BJP, whom he referred to as outsiders trying to divide the Shiv Sena. Thackeray appreciated his workers for resisting these pressures and vowed to continue the fight. The programme examines these comments as the mayoral race begins in Mumbai amidst a highly charged political atmosphere.
In this Special Report, the focus is on the shifting political landscape of the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is reportedly manoeuvring to secure the Mayor's post by sidelining its ally, the BJP, and joining forces with Raj Thackeray's MNS. The speaker notes that 'Shinde Sena is now trying to lure corporators from MNS, UBT Sena and also Congress' to consolidate power. Despite the BJP winning 50 seats, the Shinde faction, with 53 seats and support from the MNS, is nearing the 62-seat majority mark. The programme highlights the potential rift within the Mahayuti alliance as Shrikant Shinde hints at welcoming UBT faction corporators to bypass a power-sharing deal with the BJP. This development marks a significant blow to the BJP, which had been demanding a split mayoral term. The discussion explores how these volatile equations in KDMC might signal broader changes in Maharashtra's municipal politics.
This news report examines the intensifying political battle for the Mumbai Mayor’s chair following the BMC elections. Amidst reports of resort politics and backroom maneuvering, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has asserted that the 'mayor's chair is firmly in Mahayuti's grip,' dismissing conspiracy theories of a split. Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant has hinted at potential counter-poaching, suggesting opposition corporators might become unreachable on voting day. The report breaks down the 227-seat BMC tally, where the BJP holds 89 seats and the Shinde-led Sena holds 29, placing the Mahayuti alliance at 118—surpassing the 114-seat halfway mark. Three scenarios are analyzed: a united Mahayuti victory, the impact of Shinde Sena potentially ditching the BJP, and a possible opposition-led mayor if the Shinde Sena and NCP switch sides. The suspense remains as parties strategize to secure the prestigious mayoral post in India's richest municipal corporation.
This report analyzes the post-election dynamics of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) following the conclusion of civic polls. With the BJP emerging as the single largest party securing 89 seats, the focus shifts to the high-stakes battle for the Mumbai mayor post. The speaker notes, 'Well, it's very simple, it's all for the mayor post,' highlighting the intense political maneuvering among elected corporators. The transcript details a fragmented mandate where Shiv Sena (UBT) holds 65 seats, followed by Shinde Sena with 29, and the Congress with 24. The programme explores three potential scenarios: a united Mahayuti alliance surpassing the 114-seat halfway mark, a possible breakaway by the Shinde faction, or a broad opposition coalition coming together to claim the mayoralty. Despite the BJP's lead, the final outcome remains dependent on alliance stability and the upcoming internal vote by the 227 corporators to choose the city's next head.
This news report focuses on the aftermath of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, where the Mahayuti alliance has emerged victorious, ending the dominance of the Thackeray faction. Following the results, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has moved its newly elected corporators to a five-star hotel in Mumbai to prevent potential poaching. Sources indicate that the Shiv Sena is negotiating a '50-50 power-sharing formula for the mayor's post' with the BJP, potentially involving a split term of 2.5 years each. While the BJP remains the single largest party with 89 seats, the alliance holds a combined total of 118 seats, surpassing the halfway mark. The opposition, including the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena and Congress, has criticized the move, alleging that the alliance partners fear 'Operation Kamal' and internal poaching. The report outlines various political scenarios, including the possibility of the Shinde Sena breaking away or the Mahayuti staying united to appoint a mayor.
This news report highlights the return of resort politics in Mumbai following the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance's victory in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena has moved its newly elected corporators to a five-star hotel to prevent potential poaching attempts during the high-stakes power tussle. Sources indicate that the party is 'negotiating with the BJP for a 50-50 power sharing formula for the mayor's post', which may include a split-term arrangement of two-and-a-half years each. While the Uddhav Sena has criticized the Mahayuti alliance, claiming Eknath Shinde fears the BJP might break his party again, the Shinde faction maintains that the hotel meeting is intended to strategize for the next five years and upcoming district council elections. The final decision on the mayoral arrangement remains with the BJP high command as back-channel talks continue between the allies.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the political drama unfolding in Mumbai following the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has taken a sharp jibe at Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for moving 29 newly elected corporators to the Taj Lands End hotel in Bandra. Thackeray warned that 'if his Netas split once, they can do so once again as well,' suggesting that the Shinde faction remains vulnerable to internal divisions. The move to shift corporators comes amid intense speculation regarding poaching and the upcoming battle for the Mayor's post. While the BJP has emerged as the single largest party, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena holds a crucial position in the power-sharing negotiations. The programme explores the shifting dynamics between the BJP and the Shinde faction as the opposition looks to capitalise on potential friction within the ruling alliance.
This report explores the emerging tensions within the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance following the BMC election results. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has proposed a 'split term' formula, demanding the Mumbai Mayor's position for the first 2.5 years of the five-year term. The party is reportedly keen on holding the civic office to coincide with the birth centenary year of Balasaheb Thackeray. While the BJP has emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats, the Shinde faction, with 29 seats, is positioning itself as a kingmaker. The transcript highlights concerns over 'hotel politics' and potential poaching of corporators, as Uddhav Thackeray takes jibes at the power tussle. The final decision on the mayoral formula remains with the BJP high command as discussions continue between the alliance partners in Maharashtra.
In this news bulletin, the focus is on the unfolding 'resort politics' in Mumbai following the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election results. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has reportedly ordered all 29 newly elected corporators from his Shiv Sena faction to gather at the Taj Lands End hotel in Bandra. The move is aimed at preventing potential poaching or 'horse-trading' attempts by rival parties as the Mahayuti alliance prepares to claim power in India's richest civic body. The speaker notes that the Shinde faction has emerged as a 'kingmaker,' as the BJP's 89 seats fall short of a majority without their support. The programme highlights the historic shift in Mumbai's political landscape, ending the 28-year rule of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena. 'Eknath Shinde is reportedly taking no risks and intends to keep his team united until the power is claimed in the civic body,' the report states, detailing the high-stakes battle for the mayoral post and control of the ₹74,000 crore BMC budget.
In this special report, the focus is on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election results where the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena alliance has successfully dethroned the Thackeray family. The Saffron Alliance secured 89 seats, while the Shinde faction managed 29. In contrast, the Shiv Sena (UBT) won 65 seats and the MNS was restricted to just 6. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the verdict, stating that 'People have blessed the NDA for the good governance and that the NDA's bond with the people has deepened.' Following the setback, Uddhav Thackeray has convened a crucial meeting with his 62 newly elected corporators to discuss the future strategy and ensure the party remains intact. The programme highlights the shifting political dynamics in Mumbai as the BJP-Shinde combine crosses the majority mark required for the Mayorship, marking a significant blow to the Thackeray brothers in the civic body polls held after a nine-year gap.
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.
This special report highlights the political ascent of Devendra Fadnavis following the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance's historic victory in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The win marks a significant shift in Maharashtra politics as the alliance 'dethroned the Thakurs from the BMC, Asia's richest municipality'. The report traces Fadnavis' journey from being the youngest councillor at 22 and Nagpur’s youngest mayor to becoming the state's Chief Minister. It details his resilience through the political upheavals of 2019 and 2022, including his stint as Deputy Chief Minister under Eknath Shinde. After a setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Fadnavis led the BJP to its best-ever performance in the assembly elections, culminating in his restoration as Chief Minister and this latest municipal triumph.
This report covers the landmark results of the 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, where the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance successfully ended the decades-long dominance of the Thackeray family. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the verdict, stating that 'People have blessed the NDA for good governance and that the NDA's bond with the people has deepened.' The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 89 seats, while Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena also secured significant gains to help the alliance surpass the majority mark. In contrast, the Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, faced a major setback as the Sena UBT won 65 seats and the MNS managed only 6. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, credited with leading the campaign, thanked voters for endorsing the development agenda. The programme also highlights the upcoming meeting between Uddhav Thackeray and his newly elected councillors following the defeat.
This special report examines a historic shift in Mumbai's political landscape as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) moves out of the Thackeray family's control for the first time in 25 years. The report highlights the decline of the Shiv Sena's traditional stronghold following the party split and changing voter aspirations in the city. An unidentified speaker, supporting the current leadership, stated, 'My own leader, Eknatji Shinde, has worked tirelessly on ground and he has proven that those who stay at home will probably get a mandate of work from home'. The programme explores how the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is celebrating this breakthrough as a sign of its organisational expansion and a decisive shift in the city's power axis. While the Uddhav Thackeray faction struggles to reclaim ground, the report suggests that Mumbai's youth and aspiration-driven electorate are moving away from identity-based politics, leaving the Thackeray family to face the challenge of reinventing their political relevance in a city they once ruled unchallenged.
On this Special Report, Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai analyses the 2026 Maharashtra civic election results, marking a 'tectonic shift' as the BJP dethrones the Thackeray family from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) after 30 years. Sardesai observes that 'The BJP has emerged as the party number one in India's second most populous state,' highlighting a 'saffron surge' across the region. The report identifies Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as a 'big winner' now positioned in the BJP's next-generation leadership. Key takeaways include the routing of the Pawar family in Western Maharashtra, the continued decline of the Congress party, and the significant rise of the AIMIM, which secured over 100 seats. Sardesai concludes that a fragmented opposition, combined with the 'Hindutva plus Vikas' formula, has granted the BJP a decisive advantage, establishing a 'triple engine' government with power at the Centre, the state Mantralaya, and local bodies.
