Mumbai, Dec. 25 -- Coming together politically for the first time in nearly two decades, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Wednesday announced an alliance for the January 15 civic polls in Maharashtra, including Mumbai. Addressing a joint press conference at Worli in Mumbai, the Thackeray cousins said their parties will contest municipal elections in Mumbai, Nashik and other cities across the state. Elections to 29 municipal corporations are scheduled to be held on January 15. The civic polls for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are seen as the most crucial for the alliance. The undivided Shiv Sena had ruled the BMC for three decades. Following their rout in last year's assembly elections, in which the BJP-led Mahayuti returned to power with a thumping majority, the Thackeray cousins decided to join hands in an effort to revive their political fortunes. Earlier in the day, Uddhav and Raj met at Shivaji Park, where they offered tributes at the memorial of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, before heading to a Worli hotel to address the media. The formal announcement of the alliance was made by Raj Thackeray. "Maharashtra was waiting for this moment. I declare that Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have formed an alliance," he said. Raj also asserted that the alliance would capture power in the Mumbai civic body. "Mumbai's next mayor will be a Marathi person and will be from the Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance," he said. Uddhav said the alliance would contest elections together in Mumbai, Nashik and other cities as well....