In a frenetic 24-hour period before the model code of conduct for the Mumbai municipal corporation elections came into force, the city was swept by a wave of inauguration ceremonies. Political leaders from across party lines scrambled to flag off a series of long-pending civic projects, from bridges and roads to lake rejuvenation works.
A Race Against the Election Clock
The scene across Mumbai was one of near-simultaneous coconut-breaking ceremonies as representatives from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Indian National Congress, and the Shiv Sena rushed to unveil developments in their constituencies. This last-minute push highlighted the urgency felt by politicians to showcase completed work to voters just before election restrictions silenced such official announcements.
Key Inaugurations Across the City
In Goregaon, BJP MLA Vidya Thakur joined former corporators, including Shiv Sena's Raju Pednekar, to inaugurate the fully commissioned bridge over the Oshiwara river. Previously, only one carriageway was operational, causing significant traffic congestion. Former BJP corporator Sandeep Patel emphasized that the now fully open bridge would ease the traffic pile-ups in the area.
Over in Bandra (West), BJP MLA Ashish Shelar performed the 'bhoomipujan' for the rejuvenation of the Swami Vivekanand Lake, also known as Bandra Talao. He announced the project on social media platform X, calling it a step towards restoring the neighbourhood's ecological pride. On the same day, Shelar also inaugurated a slew of development works in Khar Danda's Ward No. 99. These projects encompassed drainage and passage works at multiple locations, including areas near Koteshwar Vyayam Shala, various gallis (lanes), and the fish market. The scope also included repairs to sheds at Koteshwar Vyayam Shala and Maruai Mandir Trust.
Shelar further inaugurated a report card prepared by former corporator and party leader Vinod Mishra from Kurar, Malad, detailing the development works completed in his ward during his tenure.
In South Mumbai, Congress MLA Amin Patel inaugurated the concretisation of IR road near the Mandvi post office. Patel, fresh from the concluded state assembly session, described it as a packed day, which also included inspections of other civic works.
The Inauguration Wave Began Earlier
This spree of activities was not confined to a single day. It began on December 14, a Sunday, with the foundation stone laying for a proposed exotic bird park at Nahur. Simultaneously, a new building at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)-run Agarwal General Hospital in Mulund (West) was inaugurated, setting the stage for the flurry that followed.
Political Significance and Voter Perception
The timing of these inaugurations, just hours before the election code took effect, underscores the high-stakes nature of the upcoming municipal polls. Such events are strategically used to create a visible record of achievement and connect with the electorate at the eleventh hour. While these projects address genuine civic needs, their coordinated unveiling highlights the intense competition among political parties to claim credit and influence voter sentiment as Mumbai prepares to choose its civic leadership.
