Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said that his alliance with his cousin and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray is here to stay and that the two leaders will not separate again.

In an interview, Uddhav said the decision to come together ahead of the upcoming civic polls was taken after careful consideration.

“Till the time we came together, people used to ask us as to why we are not coming together. Now they are asking why we have come together and for how long will we stay together,” Uddhav said. “We have come together after much thought and understanding. Now, we will never part ways and stay united,” he added.

This is the first political tie-up between the cousins in nearly 20 years. The two leaders recently announced their alliance for the January 15 civic elections in Mumbai and 28 other municipal bodies across Maharashtra.

When asked whether politics has overtaken his interest in photography, Uddhav said he still sees himself primarily as an artist.

“I am originally an artist. I am the son of a cartoonist,” he said, referring to Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. “You can buy work of art but you can't buy art. Art has to be in the blood. I am a person who is at home in the arts.”

Uddhav also recalled a personal memory, saying it was Raj Thackeray’s father, Shrikant Thackeray, who gifted him his first camera.

Asked if he could name another politician who has similar artistic instincts, Uddhav replied, “(PM) Modi ji is one such person. Do you think of anyone else?”

The alliance between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray marks a major political development in Maharashtra.