Bharatiya Janata Party For the first time since its formation, the BJP is staring at the possibility of winning the polls on its own. Labelled as the ‘smaller of the two’ when compared with the Shiv Sena, winning Mumbai is integral to BJP president Amit Shah’s call of spreading the party’s power from the parliament to the panchayat. Led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the party’s resources are on full display in its innumerable hoardings and posters on city’s roads and the 24x7 advertisements on television, radio and social media. The party had only 31 corporators in 2012, but the tally is set to increase significantly. One of the major gains if the BJP wins will be its dominance over the Sena. It would mean the urban voters have accepted Mr. Fadnavis as the face of development and will give a thumbs up to the BJP’s claims of demonetisation being a success. A win will also boost the party’s campaign in Uttar Pradesh. Anything less than the 2012 result will be considered as a below par showing.
Shiv Sena A lot is at stake for the Sena as its mass appeal and ability to sustain political attacks will be put to the test. For years, the Sena has been linked with Mumbai and vice-versa. Known for its web of activists at the ground level, the Sena will be contesting the polls on its own for the first time in 20 years. A victory will give party chief Uddhav Thackeray the upper hand while dealing with the BJP. Mr. Thackeray has said the decision to remain a part of the State government will be taken only after the results on February 23. It means the government may be in danger if the Sena wins. However, emerging runner-up to the BJP would open the doors of uncertainty.
Congress It may come as a surprise, but in 2012 the Congress stood second in the polls. After its debacle in 2014, this is its chance to regain lost ground. The Congress never put up a tough fight to the Sena in Mumbai while it governed the State. For the party, retaining its 52 corporators would itself count as a major victory. The systematic placement of candidates will ensure the party puts up a good showing and is not routed like it did in the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. Anything less than 30 seats will raise questions over the party’s leadership in Mumbai and trigger yet another phase of revolt and discontentment.
Nationalist Congress Party The party’s chief, Sharad Pawar, recently accepted that while it was in power for 15 years in the State, it never attempted to spread its base in the city. He said those who supported his party in the hinterland would campaign for the Sena in Mumbai. It is no different in 2017. While party spokespersons claim that their tally would increase from the present 13, ground reports do not substantiate it. Hence, it is concentrating on minority and certain pockets where its presence is strong. A victory in 13 or more wards would put the party in the driver’s seat as it might hold sway in the election of the Mumbai Mayor. The NCP had proved to be the BJP’s lifeline after the 2014 Assembly polls.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena One of the most sought after parties in 2012, it is now relegated to almost being a no-player. Despite having an impressive 28 corporators , the MNS has not been able to deliver what its chief Raj Thackeray has promised. This time, his son’s ill-health kept him away from campaign, drowning whatever hopes the party had. Critics say crossing the double digit mark would mean victory for the MNS. But that seems a rare possibility. A loss would lead to more departures of workers and it will need more than the old ‘sons of the soil’ agenda to make its presence felt in the city.
