The battle for India's richest civic body is officially on. As BMC election drumbeats grow louder, this is no longer just a local poll-it's a fight with national impact. It's a triangular contest for Marathi pride and prestige. For the Thackerays, it's an existential fight to reclaim their home turf. For the Mahayuti, it's a chance to tighten its grip on the country's financial capital. And for the Pawars, it's their chance to retain their voter base in Pune.