MUMBAI, Nov. 7 -- With the first phase of local body elections in Maharashtra scheduled for December 2, discussions have begun at the district level across parties on possible alliances tailored to local political equations. Amid these talks, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has issued clear instructions to party leaders to refrain from forging any understanding with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. He has also directed them to avoid pre- or post-poll tie-ups with the BJP or the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and instead either contest independently or align only with partners within the MVA. Thackeray's stand comes against the backdrop of speculation that both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition MVA may see cross-group alliances in several districts, depending on local dynamics. Alliances in municipal councils and panchayat bodies have traditionally been shaped more by local caste equations, candidate strength, and ground-level needs than by state or national party lines. Recently, NCP (SP) leader Devdatta Nikam from Pune suggested that there had been informal discussions among leaders from the Shinde-led Sena, the Thackeray faction, and others on exploring joint fights in certain rural pockets of Pune district. The comment fuelled buzz about realignment....