Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took a jab at MNS leader Raj Thackeray on Thursday, questioning how individuals who cannot care for their own children can manage Mumbai. This statement comes as Thackeray and his cousin have reunited ahead of the municipal elections scheduled for January in Maharashtra. Shinde remarked to reporters, "If you can't even look after your children, how will you take care of Mumbai and the state? First, focus on your children."

Shinde's comments were a direct response to Raj Thackeray's concerns regarding the rising incidents of missing children and kidnappings in Maharashtra. Thackeray had emphasized that "interstate gangs are systematically targeting young children across the state." Earlier today, Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), and Raj Thackeray formally announced their alliance ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections set for January 15.

During a joint press conference in Mumbai, both cousins expressed their commitment to unite for the benefit of 'Marathi Manus' and the state of Maharashtra. They stated that their collaboration aims to serve the interests of the region. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also targeted the Thackeray brothers, asserting that their alliance would have no impact on the upcoming municipal elections.