Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut declared the alliance between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray's MNS "a reality," citing joint groundwork by party workers statewide. Yet no formal seat-sharing pact has emerged, particularly in contested wards like Dadar, Sewri, Vikhroli, and Bhandup, where both claim strong support.

Monday's final talks at Matoshree yielded no breakthrough on these seats, sources said. Leaders from both sides described discussions as concluded but stopped short of confirming a tie-up.

The BMC contest, delayed since its term ended in February 2022, remains a prestige battle for the Thackeray factions.

Elsewhere, NCP (Ajit Pawar) explored a surprise alliance with Congress for Pune Municipal Corporation polls. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar phoned Congress leader Satej Patil Sunday, floating joint candidacy. Patil promised internal consultations before responding.

Aam Aadmi Party released its 40-member star campaigner list for BMC, led by Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann.

Recent local body results bolstered the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which dominated 288 municipal councils and nagar panchayats earlier this month. BJP secured 117 presidencies, Shiv Sena (Shinde) 53, and Ajit Pawar's NCP 37, leaving opposition MVA with just 44.

As filings proceed through early January, unresolved alliances could fragment anti-Mahayuti votes in urban strongholds.