Mumbai's civic body elections are set to return after a four-year hiatus, with the State Election Commission announcing polls for January 15, 2026. In the high-profile A ward, a keenly watched political battle is shaping up as three former corporators express confidence in securing another term, while residents voice hopes for greater involvement in local policy-making.
The High-Profile Battleground and Its Contenders
Geographically one of Mumbai's smallest wards, A ward packs a significant punch. It houses key government buildings like the state secretariat (Mantralaya), the BMC headquarters, and the central and western railway headquarters at CSMT and Churchgate. The area also contains official bungalows of ministers and bureaucrats, alongside headquarters of major financial institutions.
The ward comprises three corporator constituencies: 225, 226, and 227. From February 2017 to March 2022, the undivided Shiv Sena's Sujata Sanap represented constituency 225. Following the party's split, Sanap joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Constituencies 226 and 227 were represented by BJP's Harshita Narwekar and Makarand Narwekar, respectively. All three ex-corporators are confident of receiving tickets from their parties and winning their seats decisively.
In a recent lottery conducted by the BMC administration, ward number 226 was reserved for an OBC candidate, while ward number 227 was reserved for a woman candidate.
Persistent Civic Issues in a VIP Zone
Despite its VIP status, A ward grapples with several persistent civic problems. Its proximity to tourist hotspots like the Gateway of India, Fort, and Colaba exacerbates the issue of illegal encroachments on roads and footpaths. A common parking menace follows closely, where residents often park vehicles on pavements, leaving little room for pedestrians.
Another critical issue is the encroachment of public spaces, including gardens. According to the BMC's dashboard, A ward boasts 17 open spaces and gardens, such as Oval Maidan, Cooperage Garden, and Azad Maidan, which require protection.
Candidate Agendas and Resident Expectations
The candidates have outlined their key agendas for the ward. Makarand Narwekar, hopeful of contesting for a third consecutive term, stated his priority is to make the Colaba-Churchgate area pedestrian-friendly. "Post-pandemic, we have seen illegal hawkers mushrooming on the streets... my priority is to derive a proper policy that will bring an end to these problems," Makarand told The Indian Express.
Harshita Narwekar, aiming for a second term, emphasized aligning development with climate resilience. "With air pollution woes grappling Mumbai... one of the key issues I want to address is to amplify the green cover of my area," she said, highlighting the ward's existing green spaces.
Local residents, however, hope for more inclusive governance. Ashok Gupta, Vice President of the Marine Drive Resident's Association, stressed the need for consultation. "At the end of the day, the policies are being chalked out for local residents only... To identify issues like these, the local residents need to be consulted for a better understanding," he said. He added that after four years of bureaucratic administration, the return of corporators should resume meaningful dialogue.
Mumbai South MP Arvind Sawant from Shiv Sena (UBT) pointed out the need for a uniform policy to tackle illegal encroachments, criticizing the current "arbitrary" rules that sometimes see slum dwellers evicted without proper notice while illegal hawkers continue operations.
With the A ward falling under the Colaba assembly constituency, represented by BJP MLA Rahul Narwekar, the elected corporators plan to recommend civic projects for funding from the MLA's quota. As Mumbai prepares for these crucial civic polls, the focus in A ward remains on balancing its elite stature with the everyday needs of its residents.
