Uddhav and Raj - Thackeray Brothers Set for Historic Reunion as Shiv Sena UBT Secures Shivaji Park Dussehra Rally Approval

Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray are expected to share the stage at Shivaji Park this year after Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation granted permission for the iconic Dussehra rally scheduled on October 20.

The civic body’s G-North ward cleared the party's application without opposition, confirming that no other political outfit submitted a competing bid for the venue. Shiv Sena UBT MP Anil Desai received the official clearance certificate after fulfilling the municipal conditions required for hosting the annual congregation.

Single Applicant Clears Way for Shivaji Park Event

Unlike previous years marked by fierce legal and political tussles over the historic venue, Shiv Sena UBT faced no rival claimants for Shivaji Park this season. In 2022, a bitter court battle erupted when Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde’s faction contested the venue, eventually forcing the Shinde-led Shiv Sena to shift its rally to the Bandra-Kurla Complex.

Civic officials confirmed that the lack of competing applications simplified the clearance procedure. By removing administrative hurdles early, the party secured full rights to conduct its traditional rally at the venue deeply tied to the political legacy of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.

Strict Municipal Mandates and Financial Undertakings

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation attached strict operational guidelines to the permission certificate. Organisers must conclude all speeches by 10 PM and take active measures to prevent sound leakage outside the perimeter of the ground.

To ensure compliance, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board directives prohibit dumping excess soil on the ground. Shiv Sena UBT submitted a registered indemnity bond on a ₹500 stamp paper. The civic body warned that any breach of terms, misutilisation, or physical damage to the park will result in the immediate forfeiture of the party’s ₹20,000 security deposit.

Core Issues and Political Significance

Shiv Sena UBT plans to use the October 20 address to attack the state administration on pressing socio-economic issues. Party insiders indicate that Uddhav Thackeray's speech will focus heavily on opposition to the State Implementation Report process, delays in MPSC examinations, Maratha reservation demands, and controversial land-use reclassifications involving open plots across Mumbai.

Political observers view the potential joint appearance of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray as the biggest draw of the evening. Following several public interactions between the estranged cousins over recent months, their combined presence at Shivaji Park could signal a recalibration of Maharashtra's opposition dynamics ahead of upcoming civic elections.