X: @Journo_007
Mumbai: The Parel-Lalbaug belt of South-Central Mumbai popularly known as Girangaon (village of Mills) is currently in focus as there seems to be a fierce contest in the forthcoming assembly polls between Uddhav Thackeray led Shiv Sena faction (SS-UBT) versus Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
The ruling Mahayuti comprising of Shiv Sena (CM Eknath Shinde faction – SS-ES), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) (NCP-AP) have almost decided to leave this seat popularly called as Shivadi constituency to MNS, thanks to the unconditional support Raj Thackeray gave to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Lok Sabha polls. Though official communication is still awaited from them in this regard, Mahayuti party workers have been asked to support MNS in this area to defeat the Shiv Sena UBT faction.
A major factor is the Mahayuti does not have a credible candidate among its ranks to counter the incumbent legislator Ajay Chaudhari, who is group leader of Shiv Sena (UBT) in the assembly and known for his fierce loyalty towards Uddhav Thackeray. It was in June, 2022 when Chaudhari replaced Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as group leader when he rebelled against the Uddhav Thackeray.
The Mahayuti is also trying to woo Sena (UBT) leader Sudhir Salvi, who is also a contender to this seat from Sena (UBT). Salvi is a top functionary in the famous Lalbaugcha Raja Ganpati Mandal and a popular face in this constituency.
The MNS in August itself had already declared its top leader Bala Nandgaonkar who veteran legislator for four terms as its candidate. Nandgaonkar who was the MNS legislator from Shivadi seat (2009-2014) has already started his unofficial campaigning and expressed confidence in backing of the Mahayuti.
“The MNS whole-heartedly supported PM Modi and campaigned hard for him during the Lok Sabha polls. I am sure they will back me as we all carry his vision of progress,” said Nandgaonkar. He said that people are tired of the Sena legislator Ajay Chaudhari due to his non-performance. “It is the people who wanted me back and I will restore the pride of this place. I have been the most accessible legislator catering to all sections of the electorate,” he added.
Nandgaonkar banks on the fact that in the Lok Sabha polls, Mahayuti candidate Yamini Jadhav trailed by about 17800 votes from Arvind Sawant who won this seat and said he will be able to overcome this margin and win due to his local connect with the electorate.
The Shiv Sena, was formed in Mumbai in June 1966 by Bal Thackeray with the core motive of protecting Maharashtrian interests. It got solid support among Maharashtrian mill workers living in the Lalbaug-Parel belt. Though the mills have all disappeared, the electorate still shares a strong bond with the saffron outfit. It was in 1970 when the Shiv Sena debuted in Maharashtra assembly from this area when its candidate Wamanrao Mahadik won the bye polls.
Shivadi Sena (UBT) legislator Ajay Chaudhari assailed the Mahayuti saying they will never be able penetrate this belt. “They cannot even find one candidate to fight the polls against the Sena (UBT) and are depending on the MNS. This itself exposes their state of affairs,” taunted Chaudhari. “I have been the vocal voice fighting for housing rights for South Mumbai residents living in old dilapidated buildings and instrumental in formation of the rehabilitation policy. The Sena is present round the year unlike others who are visible during election times,” he added. He said the Sena candidate will be decided by party chief Uddhav Thackeray and he will abide by his dictates.
Sena UBT functionary Sudhir Salvi said he will not betray the party. “I am ofcourse trying for the party ticket but final decision will be taken by Uddhavsaheb. I am a loyal party worker and will not leave the outfit,” said Salvi.
Noted political analyst Hemant Desai predicts a tough battle on cards. “Ajay Chaudhari has been a non-controversial politico and has given a decent performance during his tenure. In addition, he has a solid Sena grassroot network at his disposal. In case of Nandgaonkar, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will bankroll his campaign as Shiv Sena’s (UBT) defeat in Lalbaug-Parel belt will dent its image and reduce their influence all across. We will witness a high voltage campaigning,” said Desai.
