Politics comprises the battles we can see as well as those we can’t. When the hidden battles are executed with sniper-like precision, the falling of the target becomes definitive. Political parties in Maharashtra have been warring by applying both types of battle formats ahead of the 2024 general and Assembly elections, which will be preceded by the local body polls, the BMC included, to be held as early as possible depending on the court directives on delimitation and other matters.

Recently, a hidden battle took place between the Thackeray Sena and the BJP-Shinde Sena while they were simultaneously engaged in the streets of Andheri East. A truce was called and the BJP pulled out from the fray. By that time, the Sena had lost its parent body’s name and symbol, but the pullout provided it with another plank, “the BJP backed out because we were certain to win”. The BJP dismissed it, saying it was more prepared to defeat the Thackeray Sena if its candidate was contesting. The BJP left the field with a wider focus on the forthcoming BMC polls.