Uddhav, Raj Thackeray to protest in Thane today against corruption, water crisis, other civic issues

Mumbai: The Thackeray brothers – Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray – are now in the mood for a face-to-face confrontation in Thane, the stronghold of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. After Mumbai, they are now holding a joint protest at the Thane Municipal Corporation headquarters on Monday against corruption, traffic jams, water shortages, illegal construction, and growing political intimidation in the civic body.

The Congress and the NCP are also joining this protest. This means the entire opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi is now mobilizing against Shinde. The Thane district will witness municipal corporation elections in three months. The protest began at Gadkari Rangayatan and will continue until the Thane Municipal Corporation headquarters.

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A massive stage has been erected within the headquarters complex, and banners and flags have been placed everywhere, painting the entire area a politically charged area. The front has also received support from the Sharad Pawar faction. Banners with messages like "Surp injustice, stop the loot of public money, and fight corruption" are attracting attention.

The front's primary targets are the state's Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena Shinde faction leader Eknath Shinde and the administrative machinery. Given the upcoming local self-government body elections, the presence of supporters of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray on the same platform is considered politically significant.

Heavy police presence is currently deployed outside the Thane Municipal Corporation headquarters, and a large number of activists have gathered.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray visited 'Matoshri', residence of his cousin and Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday. This was his second visit to Matoshri in a week. When questioned by the media, Raj said that he was visiting Matoshri with his mother, indicating it was a family visit.

However, Raj’s visit came amid speculation that the cousins may come together for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. Raj visited 'Matoshri' last Sunday as well after meeting Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut.

It is speculated that the two cousins, once estranged, may have reconciled after the defeat in 2024 Maharashtra assembly polls. However, Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have not announced any formal alliance yet. Meanwhile, their leaders have confirmed that the alliance is likely for the civic polls.