India, Jan. 9 -- The Marathi versus non-Marathi narrative, which has dominated the state's politics since the split of Shiv Sena in 2022 and the Mahayuti 1.0 assuming the reins with the Eknath Shinde-led faction of Shiv Sena as an ally, it is no surprise that in the upcoming BMC elections, the Marathi manoos itself has taken centre stage. It is evidenced by the number of Marathi candidates being fielded by both the ruling Mahayuti and Opposition alliances.

The second chunk, with the highest percentage, has been given to Muslim candidates, especially by NCP and Congress, to woo the electorate from this community.

Wooing communities

Though the ruling Mahayuti partners, BJP and Shiv Sena, have consistently targeted Shiv Sena (UBT) for app...