All political attention in Mumbai is currently focused on Ward Number 106 in Mulund (East), where veteran politician Prabhakar Shinde is campaigning hard. The 67-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate is a strong contender for the prestigious post of Mumbai Mayor, provided his party secures the necessary numbers in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
A Grounded Campaigner with Mayoral Ambitions
Prabhakar Shinde, who is contesting the civic polls for the sixth time on January 15, insists he is not letting the speculation about the mayor's position affect his campaign. He prefers to stay grounded, focusing on his direct connection with voters. His campaign strategy revolves around his consistent visibility and routine. Even after the corporation's term ended in 2022, Shinde claims he remained "available to the public round the clock." He maintains a disciplined schedule of early morning cycling and daily five-kilometre walks within his ward, a habit that keeps him in touch with local issues.
Despite Mulund being considered a BJP stronghold and his own impressive track record—having lost only once in 2012—Shinde is not taking anything for granted. He believes the election will ultimately be decided by the work done on the ground.
On the Campaign Trail: Temples, Societies, and Local Issues
Shinde's campaign activities offer a glimpse into his local approach. On a recent Monday evening, he embarked on a padyatra from his fifth-floor apartment near Mulund station. His stops were familiar local landmarks: housing societies, temples, and street-corner gatherings. At Srinath Apartment, the former Leader of the House in the BMC addressed residents using a loudspeaker, urging them to vote for the BJP's 'kamal' (lotus) symbol.
His visit to the Khandoba temple was marked by party workers raising 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans. After seeking blessings, Shinde interacted with devotees outside, greeting potential voters with a characteristic smile and folded hands, occasionally waving to residents watching from their balconies and windows.
Not a Straightforward Fight: Rivals and Resident Concerns
The electoral battle in Ward 106 is complex. Shinde's main opponent is senior Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) functionary Satyawan Dalvi, who enjoys the backing of both Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray. Shinde, who switched from the undivided Shiv Sena to the BJP ahead of the 2017 civic polls, acknowledges the political hostility from his former colleagues in the area.
However, he frames his real challenge as addressing pressing civic issues rather than political rivalry. "My biggest challenge is issues faced by citizens of my constituency," he stated. Voter interactions reveal a mix of recognition and reluctance. While many approach him as a familiar local leader, others voice deep concerns.
An anonymous voter highlighted the potential burden of slum resettlement from Dharavi near the highway, which could strain local infrastructure. Local Shiv Sena (UBT) activist Nizam Bhatti confirmed his party would be raising this issue, questioning what the BJP is doing about it.
Other residents pointed out specific problems: Madhusudhan Gutti from Hari Om Nagar cited an uncontrolled influx of migrants in slum pockets and a long-standing sewage issue. Another voter complained about hawker congestion near Mulund station disrupting pedestrians and buses, constant road digging for cement concretisation, and the added pressure on civic services from redevelopment-driven high-rise buildings.
Countering Anti-Incumbency with a Promise-Filled Agenda
To address any anti-incumbency sentiment, Prabhakar Shinde is countering with an extensive list of development promises for the ward. His pledges include:
- A new petrol pump and a BEST bus depot.
- A swimming pool and a drama theatre for recreation.
- A playground for children and a general parking lot.
- A new police chowky and a public complaint redressal centre.
As the campaign intensifies, the outcome in Ward 106 will not only decide the fate of a seasoned politician but could also play a pivotal role in determining who occupies the mayor's chair in India's financial capital. Shinde's blend of personal connection and grand promises is being tested against a formidable alliance and a constituency demanding tangible solutions to everyday problems.
