Who will rule Mumbai? Voting begins for 29 municipal bodies in Maharashtra, including the BMC.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Today's elections for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation ( BMC) , the country's richest municipal corporation, are poised to be a major turning point in Maharashtra politics. These elections will not only decide the future of Mumbai, but also pose a litmus test for the political survival of Shiv Sena ( Shiv Sena) chief Uddhav Thackeray. Voting is taking place today for 29 municipal bodies in Maharashtra, including the BMC.

Do or die situation for Uddhav Thackeray

This is the first time Uddhav Thackeray will demonstrate his strength since Eknath Shinde's rebellion and party split. Mumbai has long been considered an impregnable Shiv Sena fortress, but this time the combined challenge from the Shinde faction and the BJP has made things difficult for Uddhav Thackeray.

Raj Thackeray's MNS 's stance

Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena ( MNS) has emerged as an "X-factor" in this election . Amid alliance discussions and challenges, Raj Thackeray's Marathi card could dent Uddhav Thackeray's traditional vote bank.

BJP's growing influence and strategic encirclement

The Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP) has significantly strengthened its support base in Mumbai over the past few years. With Prime Minister Modi as its face and a Hindutva agenda, the BJP is making every effort to oust the Shiv Sena from power in the BMC. Information on candidates and polling stations can be found on the State Election Commission's website.

Key election issues: Muslim votes and waterlogging

Muslim voters: This time, the polarization of Muslim votes will play a major role in Uddhav Thackeray's victory or defeat. The BJP is aggressive about this, while Uddhav Thackeray is calling it a fight to "save the Constitution."

Waterlogging : Mumbai's flooding every monsoon is a major issue. The opposition has cornered the Shiv Sena, which has been in power in the BMC for years, on issues of infrastructure and corruption.

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