Congress Candidate Nassima Juneja Campaigns in Mumbai's Ward 213 with MLA Amin Patel
Nassima Juneja, the Congress candidate from Ward 213 in Mumbai, stood at the gate of JJ Dharamshala with her husband, former corporator Javed Juneja. She kept her eyes fixed on the road, waiting for star campaigner and Mumbadevi MLA Amin Patel to arrive.
Campaign Rally Sets Off on Foot
Once Patel reached the location, the rally began moving on foot towards Clare Road. An AV van followed the procession, playing a video that featured Javed Juneja listing his development work. The video highlighted several key projects.
- Upgradation of two municipal schools into English-medium Mumbai Public Schools.
- Construction of a sewage treatment plant.
- Installation of a 100-mm stormwater drain.
- Initiation of two multi-specialty hospitals.
The video buffered every few seconds, freezing mid-sentence before catching up. At each major junction, party workers garlanded the netas and draped shawls over them. A mix of slogans rang out, though "Amin Patel hum tumhare saath hai" consistently drowned out the rest.
Residents Share Immediate Concerns
As the procession entered Kamathipura, Patel paused to play an impromptu over of cricket with children. When asked about the ward's biggest demand, Javed Juneja pointed to redevelopment. He cited enthusiasm for Mhada's cluster redevelopment scheme, which promises 500-sq-ft homes and Rs 25,000 monthly rent during construction.
However, residents flagged more immediate concerns. A shopkeeper called parking the most pressing issue. He described British-era lanes clogged with rows of parked bikes and open spaces occupied by hawkers and construction debris.
Juneja attributed the chaos to a surge in two-wheeler ownership aided by easy loans. He suggested cities consider a Singapore-style model where parking proof is required before buying a vehicle. In a nearby slum cluster, garment workers stitched in packed rooms.
Addressing Infrastructure and Garbage Issues
Juneja pointed to repaired BMC chawls and a dispensary allowed, on a pilot basis, to operate till 10 pm. Back on the main road, trash lined both sides as residents threw garbage out of windows.
Patel blamed entrenched habits but claimed improvement. He said filth is "10% of what it used to be" and that redevelopment will include garbage chutes linked to collection points.
Campaign Concludes with Traditional Honors
By late afternoon, the caravan—now around 100 to 150 people—halted again for garlanding. In all, the netas received 23 shawls and 27 garlands during the day's campaigning. The event showcased a blend of political outreach and grassroots engagement in Mumbai's bustling Ward 213.
