India, Dec. 9 -- The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) election has spiralled into one of the most fractured contests the ruling Mahayuti has faced, with BJP leader Ganesh Naik's high-voltage campaign provoking open resistance from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and triggering a counter-offensive from Belapur MLA Manda Mhatre, within his own party.

Unveiling his campaign with signature political swagger, Naik revived his long-standing populist plank - a 20-year freeze on property tax and water charges - while asserting complete confidence over the outcome of the upcoming elections.

"In 2000, I had promised there would be no increase in property tax and water charges, and fulfilled it. Now I announce a freeze for another 20 years...