The bustling Sixty Feet Road in Ghatkopar East witnessed a vibrant political spectacle as firecrackers exploded and floral garlands swayed. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Rakhi Jadhav inaugurated her election office, with enthusiastic chants and applause momentarily rising above the constant hum of traffic. Supporters, spilling onto the pavements, eagerly took photographs and greeted the candidate, signaling the start of a closely watched electoral battle in Ward No. 133.
A Ward in Transition: Redevelopment and Rising Pressures
Jadhav, a three-time corporator, is seeking her fourth term, arguing that continuity is crucial for a ward undergoing significant stress due to rapid redevelopment. She first contested in 2007 from Ramabai Nagar, and despite changes in ward boundaries and reservations, she emphasizes her sustained connection with the area.
She points to the aging civic infrastructure, originally laid in 1964, which is now under immense strain. "One five-year term is often not enough," Jadhav states between meetings, highlighting the complex challenges. As buildings that once housed 30 families now accommodate over 100, issues like traffic snarls, pedestrian bottlenecks, and shrinking open spaces dominate resident concerns.
While admitting that hawker congestion remains a contentious issue, Jadhav advocates for balanced solutions that consider both livelihoods and public convenience. Her main campaign control room, located near Vanita Samaj, operates continuously, with volunteers and residents flowing in to report civic issues.
Grassroots Connect and Political Backing
The emotional core of Jadhav's campaign lies in Pant Nagar, dominated by Marathi-speaking households, while the Gujarati-speaking stretches along Sixty Feet Road add a distinct, business-oriented voter base. Her campaign is bolstered by strong grassroots support and endorsements from senior BJP leaders.
Former minister Prakash Mehta, sitting MLA Parag Shah, former MP Manoj Kotak, and former corporator Bhalchandra Shirsat have been actively visiting her offices, reviewing booth-level preparations, and boosting worker morale. Supporters like Pant Nagar resident Amey Karbhari praise her approachability, noting she listens to grievances and tries to resolve them.
Alka Jadhav, part of the family's election efforts since 1992, recounts the public's faith, with people often telling the candidate, "Didi, your work will ensure your win." Local resident Varsha Pauskar highlights the family's "tremendous work during Covid-19," an effort she believes the community has not forgotten.
A Keen Contest Ahead
However, the contest is not one-sided. Jadhav faces a significant challenge from Vrushali Chawak of the Shiv Sena (UBT), who aims to capitalize on the redevelopment-related discontent. Chawak's camp believes strong anti-incumbency exists due to infrastructure not keeping pace with the massive redevelopment in areas like Pant Nagar.
Jadhav's days are packed, starting around 9 am with society meetings and stretching into evening rallies. Her campaign has divided the ward into 10–12 segments for systematic outreach. As she navigates another crowded lane, Jadhav, who was born and brought up in the area, frames her campaign not as an introduction but as "continuing a long conversation with my people." The stage is set for a keenly contested election that will test the value of incumbency against the winds of change.
