The Lalbaug-Parel ward in Mumbai, traditionally a Shiv Sena stronghold, has become a key battleground following the party's split. The area, formerly dominated by Marathi voters, has seen significant gentrification and an influx of Gujarati residents, altering its demographic profile. The contest is now a prestige fight between rival Shiv Sena factions, intensified by a former corporator switching sides after being denied a ticket by one faction and joining the other.