Colaba ward in South Mumbai recorded the lowest voter turnout during recent elections. The participation rate stood at just 15.73 percent by 3:30 PM. This figure fell well below the city's overall average of 41.08 percent.
Two Different Pictures at Polling Stations
The Sea Lord building voting centre in ward 226 presented a study in contrasts. One polling booth saw a long queue throughout the day. Most people waiting were domestic workers and other laborers.
The other booth told a different story. Voters from highrise buildings and housing societies in Cuffe Parade trickled in and out. They never formed substantial lines.
Citizens Speak About Their Voting Duty
Vanita Kamble finished her cooking work early to vote. The 35-year-old domestic worker joined the queue at the Sea Lord building around 5 PM. She emphasized voting as a citizen's duty.
"We are citizens of the country, voting is our duty," Kamble stated. She mentioned better public schools for her children as a key issue driving her vote.
An 80-year-old Cuffe Parade resident shared similar sentiments. "We have always voted, no matter if it is the Lok Sabha, Assembly or BMC polls," the resident said. The voter pointed to local concerns like bad roads and air quality as important factors.
Historical Context of Low Turnout
South Mumbai has consistently recorded low voter participation over the years. Ward 227, which comprises Colaba, showed particularly poor numbers.
In the 2017 BMC elections, this ward recorded the lowest turnout at 28.25 percent. That was marginally higher than the 23.47 percent recorded in 2012.
Colaba also clocked the lowest polling percentage during Assembly elections at 33.44 percent. The Lok Sabha polls saw better participation with 47.70 percent voter turnout.
Election Commission's Efforts
The Election Commission tried to make voting more accessible. They established polling stations within housing societies across Mumbai. More than 700 such stations operated throughout the city.
This initiative aimed to simplify the voting process. Officials hoped it would increase overall participation rates.
Ward Comparisons Within South Mumbai
The A ward represents the smallest area in Mumbai. It contains only three corporator constituencies: 225, 226, and 227. These areas house high net worth individuals and prominent institutions.
Ward 225 includes Marine Drive and Fort areas. It recorded a voting participation rate of 35.25 percent. Ward 226 covers Cuffe Parade localities and reached 38.55 percent turnout.
Both these wards performed better than Colaba's ward 227. The stark difference highlights persistent voting challenges in certain affluent neighborhoods.
