Mumbai, 16 December (H.S.): On Tuesday, a fierce poster skirmish erupted across Mumbai's key locales, including upscale Worli, mere hours after the Maharashtra State Election Commission unveiled the schedule for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, intensifying the bitter feud between rival Shiv Sena factions.

Posters Target Uddhav Thackeray's Legacy

These provocative banners, erected overnight without any party insignia, deliver veiled yet pointed barbs at Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT). One prominent display blares: He who did not stand for Hindutva, how can he stand for the Marathi people? Mumbai residents, wake up! Don't be misled by one family. Political observers widely interpret these as handiwork of Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction, though no group has claimed responsibility, fueling speculation of covert operations to rally the Marathi manoos base.

Escalating Tensions Signal High-Stakes Civic Clash

This brazen banner blitz underscores the mounting acrimony in Mumbai's political arena, where control of the cash-flush BMC—vacant since early 2022—hangs in the balance. Rhetoric is poised to sharpen further as nominations open on December 23, amid a contest for 2,869 seats across 29 municipal bodies, including heavyweights like Thane, Pune, and Nagpur.

Election Timeline Locked In

Polling across these corporations is slated for January 15, with results declared the next day, accommodating 3.48 crore voters. Scrutiny of nominations concludes December 31, withdrawals end January 2, and symbols are allotted January 3, setting the stage for a fiercely contested urban showdown.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar