Amidst the political turmoil from 2019 to 2024, the battleground is now set between two major coalitions: Maha Yuti comprising BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, and Maha Vikas Aghadi consisting of Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).
The focus now shifts to whether the BJP-led alliance will allocate a seat for Raj Thackeray-led MNS.
Lok Sabha Elections: Mumbai's Crucial Role in Shaping Alliances
Mumbai, often dubbed as the 'Maximum City' and 'City of Dreams,' has historically been pivotal in Indian politics. Legends, stalwarts, and celebrities have represented Mumbai in the Lok Sabha.
Situated in the coastal Konkan belt, Mumbai comprises six Lok Sabha constituencies: Mumbai North, Mumbai North-West, Mumbai North-East, Mumbai North-Central, Mumbai South-Central, and Mumbai South, spanning across Mumbai City and Mumbai Suburban districts.
The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), one of India's largest and wealthiest civic bodies, boasts a budget surpassing that of some smaller states.
Mumbai is slated for polling in the fifth phase on May 20, marking the final phase of elections in Maharashtra. While past results appeared balanced, a shift occurred post-delimitation in 2008, leading to one-sided outcomes.
In 2009, the Congress-NCP alliance secured all seats, with Congress winning 5 and NCP 1. However, the saffron surge in 2014 and 2019 saw BJP and Shiv Sena jointly clinching 3 seats each in both elections.
With a diverse populace ranging from the affluent to the impoverished, alongside a vibrant middle-class, Mumbai often delivers unforeseen electoral outcomes.
BMC Elections: Anticipation Surrounds Political Dynamics
The BMC elections, pending for the past two years, are crucial for gauging the political landscape. The erstwhile Shiv Sena-BJP coalition held sway over BMC for a quarter-century.
Despite notable defections from Thackeray's faction to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, significant developments are anticipated in the coming months. BJP is strategizing to challenge the Thackerays' dominance in Mumbai's civic body.
Mumbai holds strategic importance for both Congress and BJP, being the birthplace of Congress at Gokuldas Tejpal Auditorium. Here, on December 28, 1985, Indian National Congress had its inaugural session, marking the genesis of the grand old party, attended by eminent figures like Allan Octavian Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, and others.
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