Mumbai's Political Epicenter: Thackeray and Shinde Clash in Marathi Stronghold
The battle for Mumbai's soul intensifies in the historic neighborhoods of Dadar-Parel and Worli-Sewri. This region represents the prestigious Marathi heartland. It houses the iconic Shiv Sena Bhavan. It also contains the assembly constituency of Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray. Political observers note a clear pattern. In almost every seat, a direct confrontation unfolds between Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and the Thackeray family.
The Last Bastion Under Siege
The real contest for Marathi loyalty is raging across central Mumbai. This area stands as the final stronghold for the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). The party has never lost a Lok Sabha or assembly election here. It previously secured the South Mumbai Lok Sabha seat. It also won all key assembly segments like Worli, Sewri, and Dadar-Mahim. Consequently, the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls serve as a crucial litmus test. They will measure the strength of the Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance.
A seasoned political analyst explained the stakes. "This is the Marathi heartland. The last bastion. The Sena (UBT) relies on a perfect strike rate here to cross the majority mark of 114 corporators. Even one or two wins for the ruling Mahayuti alliance would seriously dent the Thackeray camp's morale."
Defections and Rebel Challenges
Despite its historical dominance, the Thackeray faction faces significant internal challenges. Several corporators from both Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have switched sides. They have joined Shinde's Shiv Sena or the BJP.
MNS's former corporator Santosh Dhuri made a high-profile exit. He joined the BJP just days before the BMC polls. Similarly, Sena (UBT) MLA Dagdu Sakpal crossed over to the Shinde camp last week. The rebellion is not limited to leaders. In Worli alone, the Sena (UBT)-MNS combine confronts rebels in four out of six wards. This internal dissent poses a major obstacle.
Veteran Voters and Changing Demographics
Long-time residents have witnessed the political evolution firsthand. Vanita Salve, 76, cast her vote at Dr. Shirodkar School in Parel. She has voted there since the Shiv Sena's inception. "The Sena took shape in this very locality in 1966," she recalled. "It has always remained a bastion. But things are changing now."
Another couple, Babubhai Solanki (77) and his wife Chanchala (60), have lived in the Worli police camp for decades. They have seen the area transform from old chawls to modern towers. This demographic shift influences voting patterns. Turnout in slums and old chawls, where UBT-MNS support is strong, tends to be higher than in new high-rises. This disparity could swing the election results.
The political observer highlighted this change. "The demography of this former mill land has altered. The BMC election is happening after nine years. A sea change has occurred. Whether the area retains its loyalty to the Thackerays is the big question. The answer will determine which party appoints Mumbai's next mayor."
A High-Stakes Gambit
Recognizing the critical nature of these seats, the Sena (UBT) has deployed its heavyweights. The party has fielded three former mayors from this area: Kishori Pednekar, Vishakha Raut, and Milind Vaidya. This move underscores the party's serious intent to secure victory. It reflects their understanding that control of central Mumbai is essential for overall success in the BMC.
The stage is set for a dramatic showdown. The Marathi heartland of Mumbai prepares to vote. Its decision will not only shape the city's municipal corporation but also redefine the political landscape of Maharashtra.
