MUMBAI: Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, leaders of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena respectively, launched a vehement attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a rally held on January 11, 2026. With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections approaching, the cousins accused the BJP of pursuing a divisive agenda that they claim systematically excludes the Marathi-speaking population of Mumbai. They also alleged that the BJP is facilitating land acquisitions that primarily benefit the Adani Group, potentially undermining the city's ties to Maharashtra.

Raj Thackeray presented detailed maps during the rally, illustrating the exponential growth of Adani Group projects from 2014 to 2025. “How is it possible for one industrialist to dominate? Are we simply going to ignore the rising costs of essentials like cement?” he asked, voicing concerns over the gradual destruction of Mumbai. In addition, Uddhav Thackeray accused the BJP of using pollution from Adani's cement plants to frame a social narrative focused on divisive issues rather than the real threats to Mumbai.

The Thackerays outlined various properties and contracts awarded to the Adani Group over the years, ranging from infrastructure projects worth thousands of crores to land deals across the city. Uddhav Thackeray pushed back against the notion that the BJP represents the interests of all communities, labeling them as a “corruption-first” party more concerned with vote consolidation than genuine governance.

As the BMC elections near, this rally holds significant weight for the Thackeray cousins, especially as they step into the political arena without a former alliance with the BJP for the first time in two decades. “These may be the last elections for the existence of Marathi Manoos,” warned Raj Thackeray to his supporters, urging them to consider their voting power.

The rally emphasized a broader critique of BJP-led governance while rallying their supporters to help preserve Mumbai’s identity as they prepare for the electoral battle ahead.