Nitesh Rane Mocks Talk of Raj-Uddhav Thackeray Unity

As political chatter intensifies around a potential alliance between MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, BJP MLA Nitesh Rane has responded with scathing sarcasm, dismissing the speculation as comical and politically irrelevant—especially in light of the upcoming Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections. In a mocking tone, Rane said, “We are so scared, we can’t even sleep! Our district president and I are sweating, wondering what will happen to us!” His remarks were delivered with unmistakable irony, aimed at downplaying the potential impact of a Raj-Uddhav reunion on Maharashtra’s political landscape.

"One Has 20 MLAs, the Other Has Zero"

Continuing his tirade, Rane ridiculed the electoral strength of both parties. “One party got 20 MLAs in 2024, the other got zero. And we — the BJP — have 132 MLAs. Still, we are supposed to be scared? What kind of comparison is this?” he said, further asserting that the alliance poses no real threat to the BJP.

Jibe at 'Thackeray Brand Hindutva'

Rane also took a direct jab at the ideological positioning of both parties, especially the Thackeray faction's claim to Hindutva politics. “They say we left Hindutva, but in truth, the 'Thackeray brand' of Hindutva is now obsolete. The people have moved on. Today, the public supports only the party that genuinely stands for Hindutva — and that is the BJP,” he declared.

BJP Unfazed by Potential Alliance

Rane’s biting commentary reflects the BJP’s official stance that a possible MNS-Shiv Sena (UBT) alliance is neither a political threat nor a sustainable formation. Despite growing signals of rapprochement between the Thackeray cousins, the BJP appears confident that such a coalition lacks electoral substance. The comments also underscore the shifting political equations in Maharashtra, where the battle for Mumbai’s municipal turf is likely to see high-voltage political drama in the coming months.