Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS to Ally for Civic Polls; Announcement Soon: Raut

• Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS will ally for upcoming civic polls in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nashik.
• Sanjay Raut confirmed the alliance, with a formal announcement expected next week, possibly featuring Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray.
• Raut urged Congress to join the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for civic polls, including MNS, but Congress left the decision to local leadership.
• Elections for 29 municipal corporations, including BMC, are scheduled for January 15, marking the first polls post-Sena and NCP splits.
• MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar confirmed the alliance, stating meetings between the parties will continue.

Why It Matters: Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS are set to ally for crucial civic polls, reshaping Maharashtra's politics.