With two Shiv Senas in the fray this time round, and the MNS also eyeing a revival and contesting 27 seats, Marathi votes are likely to be split in the assembly polls. This is anticipated particularly in constituencies where all political parties have fielded Marathi-speaking candidates. In Sewri, Mahim and Worli, there are three Marathi candidates in direct contest due to the re-entry of MNS. 

Out of a total of 36 seats in the city, at least 16—or 44.4 per cent—will see Marathi candidates pitted against each other this time. Interestingly, there are six constituencies where there isn’t a single Marathi candidate in the race.