It is a constituency in Mumbai that has traditionally seen politics of ‘Marathi asmita’ (Marathi pride). However, it becomes a dilemma for a voter when it is Sena vs Sena. The split in the Sena that gave birth to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is still a cause of heartburn to the electorate.
“Had they been together, the Marathi vote would not have split. When two cats fight, neither will get the cake,” rues a jogger at the city’s landmark Shivaji Park.
Candidates of other parties, especially Bharatiya Janata Party, are banking on the vote-split. “There is no doubt the main contest here is between the Shiv Sena and the MNS. But we will benefit from the Modi-wave and the split of Marathi vote. ‘Marathi asmita’ is not our agenda, as we are a national party,” said Vilas Ambekar, BJP’s Mahim candidate.
The party is also relying heavily on the support of the Gujarati and Jain community in the area for donations and votes.
Though everyone claims the issue of ‘Marathi asmita’ will always be important, the local people say the candidates need to address real issues such as affordable housing, slum rehabilitation, and phenomenal price rise of essential commodities.
“Of course ‘Marathi asmita’ is important, but the fact that I have to pay Rs. 3,500 for the electricity bill every month is more critical. And nobody [among the candidates] seems to talk about it. They all come to seek votes, but are not to be seen when we grapple with these daily problems,” said a 35-year old home-maker, who did not wish to be named.
“Traditionally, the Sena has done a lot for us. They have supported us through thick and thin. But now, the younger generation is more drawn towards the MNS,” said 55-year old Ujjwala Parab [name changed]. Her slum in the Nariman Bhat area mainly consists of the Konkani or coastal Maharashtrian people who migrated to Mumbai for work.
Nariman Bhat slum is one of the places which can’t be redeveloped due to the CRZ regulations. But it has 24-hour water and electricity supply, and a well-laid drainage system. It also has a protective wall against the sea, the credit for which is claimed by both MNS and Sena.
Sena infighting
Some people in Dadar expressed dissatisfaction about Sena’s candidate Sada Sarvankar. He had left the party on a bitter note, and has rejoined it. Some loyal Sena supporters said they would not like to vote for him. The candidate himself had nothing much to offer except the invocation of Balasaheb Thackeray’s name.
“Those who believe in Balasaheb’s blessings will surely vote for the Sena,” he told the correspondent during his campaigning.
MNS candidate and the sitting MLA Nitin Sardesai said he was confident of winning. “There is no real competition for me here. Many people have still not forgotten the violent behaviour of Sada Sarvankar when he last left the Sena. The BJP, Congress and NCP almost don’t exist here. After 25 years, all the parties are fighting independently, and it is difficult to predict the outcome,” Mr Sardesai conceded.
He said that BJP had no State leadership, and thus had to depend on Narendra Modi for campaigning.
