Uddhav-Raj Thackeray alliance: Key highlights and emotional moments

After two decades of political rivalry Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena MNS leader Raj Thackeray announced a historic alliance on Wednesday to contest the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC elections marking a landmark moment for MaharashtraKey highlights of the UddhavRaj allianceThe joint press conference was held at a hotel in Worli MumbaiSanjay Raut Shiv Sena UBT leader described the reunion as a ldquohistoric day for Maharashtrardquo and a turning point in state politicsRaj Thackeray formally announced the alliance stating ldquoMaharashtra is greater than any fight or rivalry Today I announce the alliance of Shiv Sena UBT and MNSrdquoThe alliance will contest the BMC elections on January 15 along with elections to 28 other municipal corporations including Pune and PimpriChinchwadCounting of votes is scheduled for January 16Emotional momentsBoth Uddhav and Raj Thackeray paid tributes to Balasaheb Thackeray at his memorial in Shivaji Park Mumbai ahead of the announcementFamily members including Aaditya Thackeray and Amit Thackeray were present during the homage highlighting the personal significance of the reunionParty workers from both sides expressed excitement with MNS leader Yashwant Killedar calling it a ldquolongawaited and emotional dayrdquoThe announcement ended years of political distance between the cousins signalling unity among party cadresMarathi pride celebrationsUddhav Thackeray drew parallels with the Samyukta Maharashtra movement saying ldquoThis reminds us of the struggle for a united Maharashtra Shiv Sena fought for the Marathi people and this year marks 60 years of the partyrdquoLeaders emphasised protecting the cause of the Marathi manoos and maintaining unity among Marathispeaking citizensShiv Sena UBT MP Arvind Sawant called the alliance an ldquoauspicious momentrdquo for the people of Maharashtra reflecting strong regional pride and civic focusShiv Sena UBT and MNS leaders hail Thackeray reunionAfter two decades of rivalry Thackeray cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray on Wednesday announced a political reunion to take on the BJP in Mumbai calling it a historic moment for Maharashtra The development triggered sharp political reactions across partiesThe joint press conference was held at a hotel in Worli where Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut said the coming together of the two leaders marked a turning point in Maharashtrarsquos politicsldquoToday is a historic day for Maharashtra The state will stand united with this alliancerdquo Raut saidDrawing parallels with the Samyukta Maharashtra movement Uddhav Thackeray said the reunion was aimed at safeguarding the state and its peopleldquoThis reminds us of the struggle for a united Maharashtra Shiv Sena before the split fought for the Marathi people and this year marks 60 years of the partyrdquo he saidReacting to the alliance Shiv Sena UBT MP Arvind Sawant described the moment as longawaited ldquoThis is a very auspicious moment Mumbai has always accommodated everyone We have never divided people on caste or religion we have always stood for the Marathi manoosrdquo Sawant saidFor party workers the alliance signals the end of years of political distance between the two cousins Cadres from both parties hope the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC elections will reverse recent electoral setbacks including the drubbing in panchayat polls