The election for Mumbai's Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), India's wealthiest civic body, has commenced, marking a high-stakes contest with national implications. The election is framed as a fight for Marathi pride and prestige, with significant stakes for the Thackerays seeking to regain control of their traditional stronghold, the Mahayuti aiming to strengthen their hold on the financial capital, and the Pawars looking to preserve their voter base.