The upcoming high-stakes elections for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are witnessing a significant shift. A new wave of candidates, primarily the sons and daughters of established political leaders, is entering the political arena, armed not just with family legacy but with impressive professional and postgraduate degrees.
From Clinics to Campaigns: The Educated Heirs Step Up
This electoral season marks the debut for several next-generation politicians. The list includes an endodontist, an MBA topper, and candidates with backgrounds in humanities and engineering, all seeking to secure a seat in the country's richest municipal body. From Yogita Gawli, the second daughter of Arun Gawli, to Amir Khan, son of former minister Arif Naseem Khan, and children of former corporators, dynastic politics is getting a highly educated makeover.
In Dahisar's Ward 11, Dr. Aditi Khursange, an endodontist representing Shiv Sena, is in a direct contest. The daughter of former corporator Riddhi Khursange, she decided to step into politics after working for two years at the BMC-run Hinduhridayasamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Polyclinic. "I had possible solutions, but nothing was falling into place," she said, highlighting her firsthand experience with systemic shortcomings. She argues that the BMC must provide healthcare with genuine commitment, not as a mere formality. Her father, Bhaskar Khursange, served as a corporator in 2007 and 2012, and her mother won the seat in 2017 when it was reserved for OBC women. Despite her campaign, Aditi continues her medical practice, visiting her clinic daily.
Balancing Corporate Careers and Civic Duty
Another prominent candidate is Leena Gudhekar, daughter of three-time corporator Shubhada Gudhekar. A computer engineer and MBA topper, Gudhekar has taken a break from her role as an assistant vice-president at a leading company. She aims to serve the ward her parents have worked in for three decades, calling it a natural choice to carry forward the family's baton of service.
In the heart of south Mumbai, Yogita Gawli, who holds an MA in Political Science and was an intern with SAARC, is contesting from Ward 207. Following in the footsteps of her sister Geeta, Yogita established an NGO to connect with people. She stated that locals and her parents insisted on having a family member as their representative this election. "Despite being in the heart of south Mumbai, this region lacks cleanliness and hygiene. Water is one major concern that I wish to work upon," Gawli said. She plans to balance her social work as a political representative with her role as a mother of two, including a one-month-old infant.
The Young Guard Answers the Call
The trend also includes candidates whose families had been absent from electoral politics for a while. Amir Khan, son of former minister Naseem Khan, is contesting from Ward 162. Reports suggest local residents were in favour of a candidate from his family, prompting his entry. Similarly, Vrushali Hundare (24), daughter of Eknath Hundare, stands out as one of the younger candidates in the fray.
This influx of highly qualified candidates from political families points to an evolving landscape in Mumbai's civic politics. It underscores a blend of continued dynastic influence with a renewed emphasis on formal education and professional experience. The electorate will now judge whether these degrees and fresh perspectives translate into effective governance and solutions for Mumbai's persistent civic issues.
