Mumbai Mayor Race: Identity Politics Dominates as Parties Stake Claims

• Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC stated Mumbai's mayor will be a 'Marathi Manoos' who says 'Vande Mataram', aligning with 'Mahayuti's' 'Mumbai First' principle.
• The 'Mahayuti' alliance includes BJP, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, and NCP, though Ajit Pawar's NCP is contesting BMC elections separately.
• Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray insist the mayor will be Marathi.
• Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis previously declared Mumbai's mayor would be a Marathi Hindu.
• Elections for 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, are on January 15, with vote counting on January 16.

Why It Matters: Mumbai's mayoral race is intensely focused on Marathi identity and political alliances ahead of elections.