Mumbai: Mumbai’s longest-serving corporator, Shraddha Jadhav, is facing the toughest battle of her political career as she contests for a record seventh term in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
A former Mayor of Mumbai (2009–2012), Jadhav has remained a corporator without a break since 1992, primarily representing the Parel–Bhoiwada belt, barring a brief period from Antop Hill.
This time, however, the contest has turned difficult with former Shiv Sena shakha pramukh Vijay Indulkar entering the fray as a rebel independent candidate. Indulkar enjoys strong local support and has been active in the area for years.
The Parel–Bhoiwada belt has traditionally been a Shiv Sena stronghold. In the previous election, the seat was reserved for women, which Jadhav won comfortably. This time, the seat is open, and there were indications that Pawan Jadhav, her son and a Yuva Sena office-bearer close to Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray, might be nominated.
To accommodate her son, Shraddha Jadhav even offered to shift to Sion Koliwada. However, with Indulkar insisting on contesting from Parel–Bhoiwada—and after two shakha pramukhs from adjoining wards were already accommodated—the Sena leadership opted for a safe choice, renominating Shraddha Jadhav.
Indulkar claims he is fighting an injustice.
“Shraddha Jadhav has failed as a corporator. She is inaccessible and does not work for the people,” he alleged. “She rarely visits the Shiv Sena office and does not help in running it. Electricity and maintenance bills have been pending for months. How can the office function like this?” he asked.
He further accused Jadhav of promoting her son at the cost of grassroots workers. “Instead of making way for ordinary Shiv Sainiks, she is pushing her son forward,” Indulkar said, claiming that 128 local Sena office-bearers have resigned in his support.
“I am still a Shiv Sainik and will rejoin the party after winning this election,” he added.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), meanwhile, is banking on a split in Sena votes. BJP candidate Parth Bavkar said voters are seeking change.
“People in Parel–Bhoiwada are frustrated. Issues like redevelopment delays and water shortages have not been resolved,” Bavkar claimed.
The Jadhav family wields significant influence in the area. Shraddha’s father-in-law, Mukund Jadhav, was a powerful figure and a close associate of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. The family owns Shree Manohar Decorators, a leading firm that handles decorations for the famed Lalbaugcha Raja Ganeshotsav mandal.
Known for her elegant style—particularly her crisp cotton saris—Shraddha Jadhav dismissed the allegations as false and misleading.
“How could I have been elected six times if I were inaccessible?” she asked. “As Mayor, I undertook several important projects for Mumbai, and my record speaks for itself.”
She also denied neglecting the Sena office. “I have borne the expenses of the shakha for years. All payments were made by cheque,” Jadhav said.
Confirming that her son was considered for the seat, she added, “I respected the party leadership’s decision and accepted the ticket. People still support me, and the results will prove it.”
