BJP leader Nitish Rane stated that future mayors, including in the BMC elections, would be those who chant 'Jai Shri Ram' and align with Hindu and nationalist ideology. He framed the upcoming civic polls as a contest of religious and ideological identity, urging voters to stay in Mumbai and Thane for Makar Sankranti to vote. Rane also asserted that 'vote jihad' would be answered through Sanatan Dharma, amidst intensifying political activity before the BMC elections.