Mumbai’s Dabbawalas have steered clear of politics for much of their 125-year-old history. But that is set to change with a senior office-bearer of the Dabbawalas’ Association seeking a ticket from the Shiv Sena for the Assembly elections.
The spokesperson of Mumbai Jevan Dabe Vahtuk Mandal (MJDVM) Subhash Talekar, has written a letter to Sena president Uddhav Thackeray seeking a ticket from either the Sewri or Byculla constituency in Mumbai.
“The representatives of mill workers or farmers have contested elections. They have successfully resolved the issues pending against their communities. Now it is time for us to raise our issues in the Assembly,” Mr. Talekar told The Hindu .
He said his priority would be to solve the housing issue of Dabbawalas. “Apart from housing, issues such as fixing rates for lunch-box delivery, possibility of pension scheme will be discussed,” he said.