India, Jan. 4 -- In a high-stakes civic election, perhaps more bitterly fought than any other in Mumbai, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is invoking Hindutva sentiments to counter the 'Marathi pride' election plank of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), who are contesting as poll partners.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said the next mayor of Mumbai would be Hindu as well as a 'Marathi'. He also promised a 'Surakshit Mumbai' (Safe Mumbai), a city purged of illegal migrants, particularly Bangladeshis.

Hoping to strike a chord with the 'Marathi manoos' (sons of the soil), Fadnavis said they would ensure that no Mumbaikar (native citizen of Mumbai) would have to leave the city for want of a home. Against the ...