Mumbai, November 15 (IANS). With the date of Maharashtra Assembly elections approaching, Dharavi in Mumbai has become the center of discussion. Dharavi assembly constituency, considered a strong stronghold of Congress, has now become a strategic ground for BJP. Here Congress and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) have campaigned vigorously against the BJP candidate. The question is whether this stronghold of Congress will collapse this time or will BJP’s victory chariot stop here?
Dharavi is known as the world’s largest slum. This has always been an important area from the political point of view. The people living in this area mainly come from middle class and poor communities. The population here is a mix of different ethnic and religious communities. Congress has dominated in Dharavi and Congress candidates had dominance in the assembly constituency here. But in the last few years, BJP has adopted several strategies to increase its strength in the region, due to which the political equation has changed.
The influence of Congress in Dharavi is no longer the same as before. In the assembly elections of 2014 and 2019, BJP strengthened its hold here and now this area has become a main target for BJP. Congress leaders are very concerned about Dharavi as the area is witnessing a major change in its population. BJP has intensified its campaign here. Local BJP leaders and party candidates are seen taking to the streets here and campaigning for the elections and challenging the Congress stronghold.
The BJP has focused its election campaign in Dharavi particularly on the issues of urban development, security, and employment. He claims that his government has given good governance to Mumbai and has worked for the development of every section. BJP leaders are emphasizing advancement and employment opportunities to attract youth and working class to Dharavi. Especially the development works done under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde are being publicized.
Dharavi seat has been a Congress stronghold for a long time. Senior Congress leader Eknath Gaikwad had won from this seat several times. After this, his daughter Varsha Gaikwad remained MLA from this seat for 20 years. In the Lok Sabha elections 2024, Varsha Gaikwad was elected MP from North Central Mumbai seat and she resigned from the membership of the Assembly, due to which this seat is vacant.
Congress has fielded Varsha Gaikwad’s sister Jyoti Gaikwad from here. On the other hand, Dharavi seat in NDA has gone to Shiv Sena Shinde faction. Shiv Sena has fielded Rajesh Khandare by giving ticket. All the local leaders of NDA are trying to present solutions to regional problems to establish their credibility among the people in Dharavi. On the other hand, Congress is struggling to save its old fort, trying hard to retain its traditional vote bank. Congress leaders and local representatives claim that they have always worked for the poor and lower class people of Dharavi.
A huge change is also being seen in the opinion of the voters of Dharavi. Young voters are attracted to the BJP as they look forward to new employment opportunities and a better life. Apart from this, the claim of Mumbai getting good governance under the leadership of BJP has also become an important factor. At the same time, elderly voters and old supporters of Congress are still standing with the party. In such a situation, it will be interesting to see whether Congress is able to maintain its old hold or whether BJP’s development-oriented politics bears fruit here.
–IANS
PSK/AKJ
