Mumbai's Ward 2 Election Heats Up with Key Candidates
On a Tuesday evening in Mumbai's Dahisar East, a group of women wearing saris and saffron scarves moved through the narrow lanes of Bhablipada chawl. Former corporator Tejasvee Ghosalkar stood at the center of this group. She recently switched from Shiv Sena (UBT) to the BJP and now contests the municipal election from Ward 2. This ward includes parts of Borivli and Dahisar.
As door curtains slid open and residents peeked out, Ghosalkar folded her hands in greeting. Her supporters chanted slogans like "kamal hamara lucky hai, jeet hamari pakki hai." The atmosphere buzzed with political energy.
Redevelopment Issues Take Center Stage
For Bhablipada residents, stalled redevelopment remains a critical concern. Building height restrictions imposed by high-frequency radar installations operated by the Airports Authority of India have caused delays. An elderly resident expressed frustration, saying, "Kai builder aaye aur gaye... hum intezaar kar rahe hai." Many builders came and went, but residents continue to wait.
Last month brought hope. The state government decided to relocate the radar stations. This move will unlock acres of land for affordable housing and redevelopment projects. Ghosalkar, aged 38, promised to permanently resolve radar-related issues if elected. She emphasized her track record.
"People know the work I did as a corporator in Ward Number 1 in the past," Ghosalkar stated. She highlighted her connection with the Catholic community in that ward, alongside her late husband, former corporator Abhishek Ghosalkar. Now, she aims to build similar ties with Maharashtrian and Gujarati communities in Ward 2. Marathi voters feel pleased that the BJP has fielded a Marathi candidate here.
Campaign Moments and Local Support
Ghosalkar continued her campaign in housing societies off New Link Road. An elderly woman hugged her warmly. Ghosalkar addressed the crowd through a microphone, saying, "I have always received love and support from you all. Ensure the next mayor comes from BJP." Party workers, led by former BJP corporator Jagdish Ojha, waved flags and shouted slogans in her support.
Sena UBT's Candidate Makes Her Pitch
Less than a kilometer away, Sena UBT's candidate for Ward 2, Dhanashree Kolge, conducted door-to-door visits in Dahisar's Anand Nagar and Sambhaji Nagar. She urged residents to vote for her party. A Yuva Sena member, Kolge is 34 years old and contests an election for the first time.
"I have worked for 12 years on the ground with Yuva Sena," Kolge explained. "Being a local resident, I understand civic issues faced here better than anyone else." She holds a graduate degree in home science and nutrition.
At Jay Gokul society in Anand Nagar, residents pointed to problems like choked gutters, bad roads, and water-logging. Kolge suggested practical solutions. She mentioned that underground water holding tanks, conceptualized by UBT leader Aditya Thackeray in Hindmata, could be replicated in low-lying areas of Dahisar.
Youth Energy in Kolge's Campaign
Youngsters formed a prominent part of Kolge's campaign team. Yuva Sena members, friends, and family actively supported her. One Yuva Sena member expressed confidence, saying, "We are confident of a good lead for UBT."
Besides Ghosalkar and Kolge, Congress's Menaka Singh and Independent Sunita Bhatia will also contest from Ward 2. The election promises a tight race with multiple contenders vying for votes.
