MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS mix had pitched the BMC polls as an try to avoid wasting the Marathi manoos and Mumbai. It was additionally seen as an acid take a look at for the Thackeray model as Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray got here collectively after 20 years. Nonetheless, whereas various Marathis appeared to have backed the Thackerays, the model did not shine sufficient to propel them to retain BMC.The ‘save Marathis’ narrative appeared to have had a restricted impression. The Thackerays solely managed to retain their bastions in south and central Mumbai and a few areas within the western and jap suburbs, like Dadar-Mahim, Worli, Dindoshi, Bhandup, Vikhroli and Bandra East, however they may not dent BJP’s prospects in Colaba, Bandra West, Andheri West, Borivli and Dahisar. Political observers stated many upscale Maharashtrians selected BJP, particularly within the western suburbs. They stated whereas Sena (UBT) underperformed, MNS tanked fully, ending up with single digits and dragging the Thackeray tally.
In Sept, Uddhav himself had made it clear that the BMC polls could be an acid take a look at. Sena (UBT) contested from 163 seats in Mumbai and MNS from 53. BJP fought from 137 seats and Shinde’s Sena from 90 seats. Whereas Muslims backed Sena (UBT)—two of the celebration’s candidates from the neighborhood received—the help was nowhere near the one provided within the 2024 Lok Sabha and meeting polls as Congress parted methods this time. “The Lok Sabha and the meeting elections already gave us a sign as to which Sena has clout in Mumbai. However the BMC polls had been a lot fiercer and had been in a way set to find out which is the true Sena. The Thackerays had been combating collectively this time. So, it was an actual take a look at of the Thackeray model, too. Each seat was keenly contested. Nonetheless, evidently whereas individuals took be aware of the Thackerays coming collectively for the Marathi manoos narrative, it wasn’t sufficient. That is in some ways the ultimate battle of the 2 Senas, which was to determine not solely the long run route of town’s politics but additionally the destiny of the 2 cousins, Uddhav and Raj. Whereas it appears to be the top of the street for Raj, Uddhav is more likely to maintain his flock collectively and play the position of a principal opposition in Mumbai,” an observer stated.
-MNS combine had pitched the BMC polls as an attempt to save the Marathi manoos and Mumbai. It was also seen as an acid test fo.){kind=link}