Thackeray Brothers Reunite in High-Stakes Mumbai Civic Elections

As Mumbai votes in the BMC polls, the alliance of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray marks a pivotal moment, hailed as a 'stroke of luck' by Shiv Sena's Arvind Sawant. Voter turnout reached 29.22% by 1:30 pm, as the Thackerays unite against the BJP in a crucial contest for Maharashtra's political landscape.

In a dramatic political development, Mumbai heads to the polls for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections with a renewed alliance between the Thackeray brothers, Uddhav and Raj. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant described the reunion as a 'stroke of luck' following his vote.

Expressing his elation, Sawant noted that this collaboration marks the first time in 20 years that Uddhav and Raj have joined forces, emphasizing the importance of voter participation. 'Every voter must exercise their right to vote,' Sawant urged, highlighting the relevance of civic duty.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) is contesting these elections in partnership with Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Election day saw lukewarm participation, with the voter turnout at 29.22% by early afternoon according to the State Election Commission.

As polling commenced early Thursday across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the crucial Mumbai and Pune regions, only 17.41% of voters had cast their ballots by mid-morning. The elections are seen as a critical contest between the BJP-led alliance and the Thackeray duo, who have united on the 'Marathi Manus' issue.

An estimated 3.48 crore voters are determining the fate of over 15,000 candidates contesting nearly 2,870 seats. A total of 39,092 polling centers have been established across the state for this significant electoral event, with results scheduled for release following Friday's count.

(With inputs from agencies.)