Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Wednesday announced a formal alliance for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other municipal polls, including Nashik, bringing cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray together after a 20-year political split. The announcement was made at a joint press conference in Worli, following weeks of meetings and symbolic gestures, including a visit to the Bal Thackeray memorial. Raj Thackeray declared the alliance official for the January 15 elections and said Mumbai would have a Marathi mayor from the Sena (UBT)-MNS combine. Uddhav Thackeray expressed confidence that Mumbai would remain with the alliance and stressed unity. The leaders highlighted Marathi identity politics and appealed to those dissatisfied with the Shinde Sena-BJP coalition to join them. While no seat-sharing details were formally announced, party sources indicated a tentative understanding on BMC seat distribution.