The political battle over who will become the next mayor of Mumbai intensified on Monday, with the Maharashtra Congress president, Harshwardhan Sapkal, asserting that the coveted post must be held by someone dedicated to working as per the Constitution of India, beyond considerations of religion, region, or caste.
Identity Politics Dominates Mayor Debate
The dispute was triggered after the Shiv Sena (UBT) claimed it would win the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election and appoint a Marathi mayor. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) countered by stating the position would go to its own Hindu and Marathi member. Adding another dimension, AICC secretary Sachin Sawant publicly questioned Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on social media, asking why Mumbai's mayor could not be a Dalit or a person from a marginalised community.
Sapkal, stepping into this charged atmosphere, emphasised a principle-based approach. He argued that the mayor's commitment to constitutional values should be the primary criterion, not identity markers.
Allegations of Money Power and Undermined Democracy
The Congress leader launched a sharp attack on the ruling Mahayuti alliance, led by the BJP, accusing it of subverting the democratic process in the municipal elections. He alleged a blatant "game of money" was underway, with candidates being induced to withdraw their nominations in many wards.
"The chief minister and both deputy chief ministers wrapped up democracy, and a game of money was underway," Sapkal stated. "Even before polling, horse-trading began, and BJP-led Mahayuti's hunger for power reached the point of swallowing democracy. In municipal elections, the farce of ‘Baap bada na bhaiya, sabse bada rupaiya' was played out openly."
He further accused the administration of preventing opposition candidates from filing nominations through threats, pressure tactics, and misuse of police, while the State Election Commission remained a "mute spectator." The Congress claimed it had written to the commission demanding an inquiry and action against Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar over alleged threats to the opposition, but the watchdog had asked for evidence. Sapkal demanded that CCTV footage be examined and complaints from those obstructed be recorded for action.
Infrastructure Credit and Memorial Delay Questioned
Responding to the BJP taking credit for major infrastructure projects in Mumbai, Sapkal countered that those works were originally conceptualised during the Congress party's tenure. He also raised questions about the status of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj memorial in the sea.
Noting that the ground-breaking ceremony was performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016, Sapkal pointed out there was no sign of the project nearing completion and demanded a reply from the BJP on the delay.
As a reform suggestion for uncontested wins, Sapkal proposed that in such cases, voters should be given the NOTA (None of the Above) option instead of declaring a candidate an unopposed winner, ensuring a more democratic choice.
