Mumbai Polls | Final Countdown For BMC, Thackerays vs BJP–Shinde Camp As Identity Politics Peaks

With less than 48 hours to polling, Mumbai has become the epicentre of a high-stakes political contest for control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, India's richest civic body. The BJP-led Mahayuti, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is locked in a fierce battle against the Thackeray brothers, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, with the Pawars also in the faray. As sharp attacks fly on political survival, Marathi identity, Hindutva, and governance, manifestos promising free utilities, welfare support, and civic upgrades have taken centre stage. With campaigning entering its final hours, all eyes are now on whether identity politics or governance promises will decide who controls Mumbai's civic purse strings.