In a significant grassroots movement, more than 1,400 residents from Mumbai's Bandra area have launched a concerted online petition campaign. They are seeking the nomination of Asif Zakaria, a former three-time Congress corporator, to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This civic push gains particular momentum as Mumbai prepares for its crucial mayoral election scheduled for February 11, 2026.
Decade-Long Civic Service Drives Public Support
Asif Zakaria, who has served as a corporator since 2007, completed three consecutive terms before the elected civic body was dissolved in 2022. His political journey faced an unexpected hurdle when he was unable to contest a fourth term. This was due to his constituency, Ward No. 101 (Bandra), being reserved for a woman candidate. Subsequently, the Congress party fielded Raja Rahebar Khan from the adjoining Ward No. 102, who became the sitting corporator from the area.
In the wake of this development, Bandra residents have initiated a vigorous campaign. They are demanding that Zakaria be appointed as a nominated corporator within the civic body, recognizing his sustained contributions.
Petition Gains Momentum with Over 1,400 Signatures
The online petition, launched just last week, had already garnered an impressive 1,417 signatures by Tuesday evening. Residents are expressing strong optimism that the number of signatories will continue to increase in the coming days, reflecting widespread community backing.
When contacted by The Indian Express regarding this public appeal, Asif Zakaria maintained a party-centric stance. He stated, "I am continuously working for my party and whatever the party decides I will welcome." This response highlights the interplay between public sentiment and political party mechanisms in such nominations.
Residents and Activists Voice Strong Endorsement
Sabita Burges, a Bandra resident, articulated the community's perspective clearly. She said, "Asif Zakaria has been the only person who has relentlessly worked on the ground every day of the year, both officially and unofficially for over a decade for the people living at Bandra. He has a good equation with the BMC and gets issues addressed expeditiously and he attends all the complaints that are being raised by citizens."
City activist Zoru Bhathena echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of experienced representation. He noted, "There needs to be a proper representation of learned people in the civic body. The post of a nominated corporator holds equal weightage to that of an elected representative and having a corporator like Mr Zakaria in the house will only help the administration in framing key policy decisions for the people."
Upcoming Mayoral Election and Nominated Seats Allocation
The election of Mumbai's 78th mayor is scheduled for February 11, when all 227 municipal councillors will vote to elect the mayoral candidate fielded by their respective political parties. Following this critical election, the council of corporators will be officially inducted into the BMC.
This term, the BMC will have 10 nominated corporator seats, which are to be allocated among political parties based on their performance in the recent municipal polls. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), having emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats, is expected to receive four nominated seats. The Shiv Sena (UBT), with 65 seats, is likely to secure three nominated positions.
Furthermore, the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), the Congress party, and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) are each expected to receive one nominated seat. This allocation corresponds to their respective seat wins of 29, 28, and 8 seats in the municipal elections.
The residents' petition strategically aligns with this nomination process, aiming to influence party decisions regarding these valuable nominated positions. The community's mobilization underscores the significant role that public advocacy can play in local governance and political appointments within India's urban civic framework.
