The coming together of cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray is not the result of any sudden rediscovery of brotherly affection. It is a hard-headed political calculation borne out of fear—fear of political irrelevance in the one arena that still gives them stature: Mumbai.

Their announcement that the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena will jointly contest the forthcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections is less about sentiment and more about survival. Recent municipal elections in Maharashtra sent a clear message.

The Mahayuti—led by the BJP, Ajit Pawar’s NCP, and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena—virtually swept the polls. The cousins have little doubt........

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