Who Will Take Control Of Mumbai In The 2024 Assembly Election? The Ultimate Political Clash

Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is witnessing a fierce political battle, with several key players vying for control of its 67 assembly seats. The political landscape has drastically changed over the years, particularly since Congress, which once dominated the city, has seen a decline, as reported by Lokmat.

A few years ago, Congress held all six parliamentary seats in Mumbai and contested 36 assembly seats. However, the rise of Shiv Sena in Maharashtra and the collaboration between Sharad Pawar and Balasaheb Thackeray marked a shift in power. This alliance led to an unwritten rule: Shiv Sena would control Mumbai's municipal affairs, while Congress and the NCP would dominate the rest of Maharashtra.

After the 2019 elections, Congress, NCP, and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena united to oppose the BJP. However, internal disputes within Shiv Sena led to a split, with one faction aligning with the BJP. Despite these challenges, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena remains a strong contender in the ongoing elections.

In 2024, the two factions of Shiv Sena, alongside other political parties, have fielded candidates in the 67 constituencies that include Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Maval. Notably, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena has put up candidates in 37 of these seats, while the Shinde group, which is allied with the BJP, is contesting in 26 seats. The BJP, on the other hand, is contesting only 34 seats, while the MNS has entered the race with 50 candidates, which could impact the vote division.

The Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which includes Congress, NCP, and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena, is hoping to secure a strong foothold in Mumbai. Congress has historically been strong among Muslim voters, a significant constituency in the city, and is benefiting from issues such as Dharavi rehabilitation and the corruption in municipal deposits. However, the MVA faces challenges in Thane, where it lacks leadership, and in Raigad, where Congress has no candidates.

On the other hand, the Grand Alliance, comprising BJP, Shinde Sena, and Ajit Pawar's faction, is capitalizing on vote splitting due to the MNS candidates. The alliance has also focused on key initiatives like the Ladaki Baheen Yojana, which is likely to sway some votes in their favour. However, internal issues, such as the inability to effectively address the Gujarat industry question, could impact their chances.

This election is also marked by several high-profile contests. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is standing for re-election from Thane, where his nephew Kedar Dighe is running against him. In Worli, Uddhav Thackeray's son, Aditya, is facing off against MNS's Amit Raj Thackeray in Mahim. Additionally, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar is contesting from Colaba against Congress's Hira Dewasi.

The outcome of the 2024 assembly elections will significantly influence who controls Mumbai's political future. With multiple factions in the fray, it remains to be seen who will emerge victorious on November 23.