BMC Polls: Thackeray brothers react after the defeat; MNS chief says - the struggle is for Maharashtra and Marathi identity.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray reiterated his commitment to the Marathi community and Marathi identity after the BMC elections. He said that even if the election results were not as expected, his struggle for the Marathi language, the Marathi people, and a prosperous Maharashtra will always continue.

In his message, Raj Thackeray said, "First of all, heartfelt congratulations to all the elected corporators of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and Shiv Sena. This election was not easy. It was a battle of Shiv Shakti against the power of money and authority.  Nevertheless, our workers fought brilliantly. Their contribution will always be remembered.

Our struggle for the Marathi language and identity continues."

He acknowledged the shortcomings of the MNS but emphasized that losing the election does not mean losing heart. The elected corporators will protect the interests of the Marathi people and will respond if any action is taken against the Marathi community. Raj Thackeray further said, "Our struggle is for the Marathi people, the Marathi language, Marathi identity, and a prosperous Maharashtra. This struggle is our true identity. Whatever went wrong, whatever remained incomplete, we will rectify it together and formulate a future strategy."

He clarified that those in power in Maharashtra and their supporters will always try to weaken the Marathi people. In such a situation, the MNS and the Marathi people will remain united. He called for strengthening the organization and the party again. Raj Thackeray concluded his message by saying, "Elections will come and go, but every breath we take is for the Marathi cause. Let's start working again and take the party in a new direction."

The fight is not over yet - Shiv Sena (UBT)

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) gave its first reaction after the defeat in the BMC elections. The party gave a clear message that the political battle in Maharashtra is not over yet and will continue until the Marathi community gets its due rights, entitlements, and respect. Shiv Sena (UBT) posted on the social media platform X, "This fight is not over yet... It will continue until the Marathi person gets their rightful respect!"

MNS failed to open its account in major cities

Raj Thackeray's party, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), had a very disappointing performance in the Maharashtra municipal corporation elections. The MNS failed to win a single seat in more than 10 major cities.

These include prominent cities like Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Panvel, Vasai-Virar, Ulhasnagar, Bhiwandi, Nagpur, Solapur, Chandrapur, and Jalgaon.

The MNS secured only 6 seats in the BMC, while managing to win just one seat each in Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Nashik.

In Kalyan, the party was limited to only 5 seats.

Notably, Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray had joined hands just before the elections after 20 years.

However, this alliance did not yield any significant benefit for the MNS.