<h1>Two regional parties led by maternal and paternal cousins weigh electoral alliance ahead of local and municipal corporation polls</h1> Two regional parties and their leaders-who are maternal and paternal cousins-have held multiple recent meetings and public appearances, fueling speculation of an electoral alliance for upcoming local-body polls, including the influential municipal corporation. The meetings followed joint rallies and familial visits after significant policy controversy and poor performance in the previous assembly election. Both parties have signalled but not formalized a tie-up; if formed it would position the ruling national party as their primary rival. A recent cooperative-society election setback highlighted organizational weaknesses that could affect any alliance strategy.