MUMBAI: In the hierarchy of elections, municipal elections are generally considered a lowly third, after Lok Sabha and Assembly. But the very bitter falling out between allies BJP and Shiv Sena had already injected a strong element of both political and personal drama into the elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the country's richest civic body, which the Thackerays have controlled for two consecutive decades.

That the interest of Mumbaikars had been piqued was evident from the 55% plus turnout on Tuesday the highest in at least 25 years and higher than even the 2014 LS elections.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had all but staked his reputation many said rashly on the outcome of civic elections across the state, more so in India's financial capital. And the first two-three hours of counting of votes on Thursday seemed to suggest that he had, indeed, gambled foolishly. Nothing, it seemed, could come in the way of the Sena extending its reign in Mumbai to a quarter of a century.