BMC Polls: Thackeray Reunion Threatens BJP's Mumbai Ambition, 'Marathi Manoos' Key

• BMC polls on January 15 see BJP strategizing against a potential reunion of Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT) and Raj Thackeray (MNS).
• A consolidated 'Marathi Manoos' vote, fueled by a Thackeray alliance, is a major concern for BJP's long-standing ambition to control Mumbai's richest civic body.
• BJP plans to counter by leveraging its non-Marathi voter base (North Indians, Gujaratis) and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena to prevent full Marathi vote consolidation.
• Historically, 'Marathi Asmita' has been central to Mumbai politics, with the undivided Shiv Sena built on the 'sons of the soil' plank.
• BJP questions Sena's BMC governance record, while CM Devendra Fadnavis emphasizes development projects, aiming for the mayor's post.

Why It Matters: BJP faces a tough BMC election, battling the 'Marathi Manoos' factor and a potential Thackeray reunion.