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New Delhi: Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday jointly released their manifesto, titled Vachan Nama, for the 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. The document was unveiled at a press conference in Mumbai, with both leaders saying it was presented “at the feet of the people”.
Addressing the media, the two leaders mounted a coordinated attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing it of undermining democratic processes and misusing institutional authority. Their remarks also focused on the role of the Assembly Speaker and the conduct of elections in Maharashtra.
Uddhav Thackeray alleged that Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar had overstepped his constitutional role by allegedly intimidating candidates and voters. He claimed the Speaker had no authority outside the Assembly to issue directions affecting political leaders.
Calling the alleged actions “shocking”, Uddhav demanded Narwekar’s immediate suspension and said a criminal case should be filed against him. He also alleged that voters’ rights were being compromised through unopposed elections, arguing that by-elections should be conducted in such constituencies.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief also took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the ruling party of reducing democracy to what he termed “mob rule”. Using sharp sarcasm, Uddhav claimed that even when alleged electoral irregularities were caught, the ruling establishment found new ways to manipulate outcomes.
He further challenged the Election Commission of India to make public the call records of returning officers, asserting that transparency was necessary to restore faith in the electoral process.
Raj Thackeray echoed similar concerns, warning the BJP against assuming it would remain in power indefinitely. He pointed out that the party had previously approached the Supreme Court over unopposed elections in West Bengal, and questioned its silence over similar situations involving the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra.
Raj also accused the BJP of altering Maharashtra’s political culture and said the state, which once set the national agenda, was now being pushed in a different direction. He remarked that frequent ideological shifts among politicians were eroding public trust.
The joint manifesto marks a rare show of unity between the Thackeray cousins, signalling an aggressive and coordinated campaign ahead of the high-stakes BMC elections in Mumbai.
