Overview

• Thackeray blamed last year’s Assembly poll defeat on delayed seat-sharing talks and ego clashes within the Maha Vikas Aghadi, warning the coalition risks collapse ahead of municipal elections
• He and cousin Raj Thackeray staged a symbolic reunion over Marathi language issues, fueling talks of a joint political front for upcoming civic polls
• NCP leader Sunil Tatkare said any merger with Sharad Pawar’s faction must be cleared by the BJP, highlighting the ruling party’s kingmaker role
• Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan claimed additional opposition MPs—mostly from Shiv Sena (UBT)—are in talks to switch to the BJP, forecasting further defections
• Congress leader Udit Raj insisted bogus voter additions, not infighting, were to blame for the opposition’s electoral losses, calling for an EC probe into turnout spikes