'We have come together to stay...': Cousins Uddhav, Raj announce political alliance ahead of municipal bodies poll

'Maharashtra is more important than any dispute, difference', Raj Thackeray said

Mumbai: Amid cheers and celebrations, the Thackeray cousins - Uddhav and Raj - announced a political alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena on the run up to the civic elections in the state which include the financial capital of Mumbai.

“We have come together to stay together,” said Uddhav, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former Chief Minister. 

“Maharashtra is more important than any dispute, difference,” said Raj. 

However, the cousins did not announce the details of seat-sharing, which they said will be made known in due course. 

In the morning, Uddhav, accompanied by wife Rashmi and son Aaditya drove out of Matoshree, their Bandra bungalow and visited Raj’s residence Shivteerth in Shivaji Park. 

There the cousins took blessings of Kundatai, the mother of Raj.

Uddhav’s father, late Balasaheb Thackeray and Raj’s father, late Shrikant Thackeray, the legendary music composer, were brothers while Uddhav’s mother late Meenatai and Raj’s mother Kundatai are sisters.

Uddhav was accompanied by his wife Rashmi while Raj Thackeray's spouse Sharmila also came with the MNS chief.

The duo launched a formal alliance between their Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in Maharashtra.

"Those who can’t bear to see what is happening within BJP can also come with Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance," Uddhav Thackeray said.