Uddhav, Raj Thackeray Unite for BMC Polls, Unveil Manifesto & Slam BJP

• Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT) and Raj Thackeray (MNS) jointly released 'Vachan Nama' manifesto for BMC elections, marking a significant political reunion.
• The manifesto promises affordable housing, 'Swabhiman Nidhi' (₹1,500/month for women), 'Maa Saheb' kitchens (₹10 meals), property tax waiver for homes up to 700 sq ft, and improved public transport.
• Plans include expanding BMC-run 'Mumbai Public Schools' from JK to Class 12 and offering interest-free loans of ₹25,000 for e-bikes to gig workers.
• Uddhav Thackeray launched a sharp attack on BJP, alleging democratic erosion, "stealing votes" and "stealing candidates" through unopposed elections.
• Thackeray accused Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar of threatening candidates/voters and misusing authority, demanding his suspension and a case.

Why It Matters: Thackeray cousins unite with a joint manifesto for BMC polls, strongly criticizing BJP over democratic norms.