BJP's Mumbai BMC Victory: Hindutva's Strategic Impact in Eastern vs. Western Suburbs

• The Mumbai Municipal Corporation election results show Hindutva's influence varied geographically, proving effective in key areas.
• BJP leader Nitesh Rane and local leaders spearheaded the Hindutva campaign in both Eastern and Western suburbs.
• In Eastern suburbs (Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Bhandup), aggressive Hindutva rhetoric resonated with voters facing issues like migration and insecurity, leading to consistent BJP success.
• In Western suburbs (Borivali, Kandivali, Malad), Hindutva acted as an 'assurance of identity' for middle-class voters, benefiting BJP through polarization.
• Traditional Marathi identity issues, though initially effective, became repetitive, allowing Hindutva's 'new edge' to indirectly benefit BJP in Marathi-dominated areas like Dadar-Parel-Lalbaug.

Why It Matters: BJP's strategic and geographically tailored Hindutva campaign was a decisive factor in its Mumbai BMC election success.