As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach on November 20th, the political activity in Mumbai is reaching a high point. Over 70 candidates are campaigning across 36 constituencies in the city competing to win the support of more than 8.5 million voters. Political rallies, roadshows and meet-and-greets with candidates have become common.
Two main alliances are in the spotlight. The Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is competing against the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) formed by the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar(NCP-SP).
Candidate Demographics and Representation
Out of the 70+ candidates, only 13 are women and 10 are Muslims. Most candidates are experienced and have been involved in politics before with many starting as corporators in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The average age of candidates is around 55 years with the oldest being 71 and the youngest 30.
Voters will have between six and 22 candidates to choose from in each constituency. Jogeshwari East and Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar have the most candidates each with 22 contenders including 14 independents in Jogeshwari East alone. By contrast, Chembur has the fewest with six candidates and no independents.
Key Constituency Clashes:
- BJP vs Congress: This is the primary competition in eight constituencies including Mulund, Kandivali East, Charkop, Malad West, Andheri West, Vandre West, Sion Koliwada and Colaba.
- Shiv Sena vs Shiv Sena (UBT): The two factions will face each other in 11 constituencies including Magathane, Vikhroli, Bhandup West, Jogeshwari East, Dindoshi, Andheri East, Chembur, Kurla, Mahim, Worli and Byculla.
- NCP vs NCP (SP): Anushakti Nagar has a unique face-off between the two NCP factions.
- Scheduled Caste Reserved Seats: Dharavi and Kurla are reserved for Scheduled Castes.
Notable Candidates:
- Oldest Candidate: Kalidas Kolambkar (BJP) in Wadala and Ajay Choudhari (Shiv Sena-UBT) in Shivadi, both aged 71.
- Youngest Candidate: Fahad Ahmad (NCP-SP) in Anushakti Nagar, aged 30.
- Oldest Woman Candidate: Suvarna Karanje (Shiv Sena) in Vikhroli, aged 67.
- Youngest Woman Candidate: Sana Malik (NCP) in Anushakti Nagar, aged 37.
Female Representation:
Thirteen women candidates are competing across various constituencies including,
- Manisha Chaudhary, 62, BJP, Dahisar.
- Manisha Waikar, 61, Shiv Sena, Jogeshwari East.
- Suvarna Karanje, 67, Shiv Sena, Vikhroli.
- Vidya Thakur, 63, BJP, Goregaon.
- Bharati Lavekar, 58, BJP, Versova.
- Rutuja Lakte, 47, Shiv Sena (UBT), Andheri East.
- Rakhee Jadhav, 48, NCP (SP), Ghatkopar East.
- Sana Malik, 37, NCP, Anushakti Nagar.
- Pravina Morajkar, 54, Shiv Sena (UBT), Kurla.
- Jyoti Gaikwad, 47, Congress, Dharavi.
- Shraddha Jadhav, 60, Shiv Sena (UBT), Wadala.
- Yamini Jadhav, 57, Shiv Sena, Byculla.
- Shaina NC, 52, Shiv Sena, Mumbadevi.
This election is an important moment for Mumbai and Maharashtra as a whole. With such a diverse group of candidates, voters have the power to shape the future of their city and state. Make your voice heard and be sure to cast your vote on November 20. Every vote counts in deciding who will lead Maharashtra forward.
