In the densely packed lanes of Bhandup's Ward 114, a new political campaign is taking shape, driven by a promise of open spaces and systemic change. Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Rajool Patil has officially entered the fray for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, launching her campaign from the very heart of the constituency—the congested slum pockets nestled on the Bhandup hills.
From Organ Donation Advocate to Political Contender
While a familiar face in the neighbourhood for years, Patil's local reputation is built less on politics and more on her social work, particularly as an ambassador promoting organ donation. A cricket enthusiast, she has now pivoted to the civic election arena with a clear, two-pronged agenda. Her primary promises are to declutter the overcrowded settlements on the Bhandup hills and to secure the ward's first dedicated playground for children.
"I am young and the voters here have known me since childhood and my earnestness in working for a noble cause—be it social work, organ donation or organising local sports activities," Patil said. She expressed hope that this connection and her track record would translate into electoral support, while acknowledging the contest would be tough.
The Ground Realities of Ward 114
Residents of the area grapple with daily challenges that form the core of Patil's campaign. The ward suffers from severe daily gridlock, with hawkers spilling onto already narrow streets, making movement difficult. Civic infrastructure is under immense strain due to a growing population and ongoing redevelopment projects.
The pressing issues highlighted by locals include:
- Sewerage lines operating under extreme pressure.
- Persistent challenges in accessing reliable drinking water, exacerbated by the hilly terrain.
- A complete lack of traffic discipline on roads not designed for current vehicular volume.
Patil's to-do list directly addresses these pain points: cleaning up the area, widening roads where feasible, enforcing traffic discipline, improving sewerage systems, and pushing for Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) redevelopment "wherever necessary."
A Multi-Cornered Fight and a Legacy to Uphold
The electoral battle in Ward 114 is set to be a competitive one. Patil faces a rebel candidate running as an Independent, along with a rival from the Shiv Sena (Shinde) faction, ensuring a multi-cornered fight.
Although she is the daughter of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Patil, Rajool Patil insists her appeal must stand on her own work. "My dad is definitely an advantage as he is popular with local voters, but I have assured citizens in the ward that I will be available 24x7 to listen to their problems and find solutions," she asserted.
The promise of a playground is a central and emotive part of her campaign. It resonates deeply in a ward where children are often forced to play between parked vehicles and in crowded bylanes. Patil argues that even during redevelopment, open spaces for sports are rarely planned, neglecting local talent that has emerged from the area in the past.
Betting on a youth-driven mandate and her social-work credibility, Patil cites her extensive involvement in organ donation initiatives, including facilitating consent for over 3,000 eye donations. As the campaign heats up, her challenge will be to convert this grassroots credibility into a winning vote count in a complex political landscape.
