Mumbai, Maharashtra: The most expensive and influential civic election in India is set to take place tomorrow, January 15. The BMC elections this year are not just about local infrastructure but a battle for the soul of Mumbai. The primary narrative has shifted toward the “Reunited Thackeray Cousins.” Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, once arch-rivals, have shown unprecedented coordination in their recent campaigns, aiming to consolidate the Marathi ‘Manus’ vote against the Mahayuti alliance.
The Mahayuti camp, led by CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, remains confident that their development-focused “Double Engine” government will appeal to the diverse cosmopolitan population of Mumbai. They have targeted the Thackerays for “family politics,” while the cousins have retaliated by accusing the current government of selling Mumbai’s interests to neighboring states. The clash is expected to be particularly fierce in Marathi heartlands like Dadar, Parel, and Girgaon.
Voter turnout will be a critical factor in tomorrow’s polling. Historically, lower turnouts have favored the BJP’s organized booth management, while a surge in voting usually indicates an emotional wave. The Thackeray duo has spent the last 48 hours conducting closed-door meetings with community leaders to ensure a united front at the booths. As the city shuts down for polling day, the political future of the Thackeray family’s relevance in Mumbai hangs in the balance.
