The Thackeray cousins Raj and Uddhav Thackeray have spoken out for the first time following the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election results, which saw setbacks for their respective parties. Both leaders expressed their determination to continue defending the interests of the Marathi community, insisting that the “battle isn’t over yet.”

Raj Thackeray Comments on Poll Setback

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray acknowledged the tough nature of the recent elections, describing them as a struggle between tremendous money power and the power of authority against Shivshakti. In a post on X, he congratulated the elected corporators of MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT), praising their efforts in a challenging fight.

“This election was not an easy one. It was a battle of tremendous money power and the power of authority against Shivshakti. Yet even in such a fight, the workers of both parties gave an excellent battle. Can never praise them enough,” Raj Thackeray wrote.

He admitted that the MNS did not achieve the success it had hoped for but insisted that this would not deter the party from fighting for the Marathi people. He added, “Our corporators who have been elected will be more than a match for the ruling parties in their respective areas. And if they see anything happening against the interests of the Marathi people, they will certainly make life difficult for those in power.”

Raj further reiterated the party’s commitment to protecting the Marathi language, identity, and cultural pride. “This fight is our very existence. You are all aware that such battles are long-term. As for what went wrong, what was left undone, what was lacking, and what needs to be done, we will all analyse and act upon it together,” he said.

Uddhav Thackeray: Battle Continues

Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), also addressed the results on X, emphasizing that the struggle for Marathi pride would persist. “This battle is not over yet… It will continue just like this until the Marathi person receives the respect they deserve!” he wrote.

BMC Election 2026 Outcome

The Mahayuti alliance, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), secured a decisive victory in the BMC elections, winning 118 of the 227 seats. In Mumbai specifically, the BJP increased its tally from 82 seats in 2017 to 89, while the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena gained 29 seats. Together, the two allies comfortably crossed the majority mark of 114 seats.

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT) retained a significant presence in the city with 65 seats, though this was a drop from the 84 seats won by the undivided party in 2017, prior to the 2022 split.

Looking Ahead

Despite the setback, both Raj and Uddhav Thackeray have pledged to continue championing the causes of the Marathi people and maintaining their political influence in Mumbai. Raj stressed that lessons would be learned from the election, and both leaders remain committed to a long-term fight for regional pride and rights.