The atmosphere was charged with political energy at a Shiv Sena (UBT) shakha near Arthur Road Naka in Mumbai on a recent Monday evening. The office, decorated with flags and banners of the Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, and NCP (SP), buzzed with activity as workers awaited key arrivals for a crucial campaign push ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Campaign Kickoff at the Shakha
Former mayor and three-term corporator Kishori Pednekar arrived at the shakha, where she is contesting the BMC elections from Ward 199. This ward includes areas like Curry Road, Chinchpokli, Lower Parel, and Dhobi Ghat. As she settled in, she was met by a stream of local party workers and office bearers, including members from the MNS, highlighting the collaborative nature of the alliance.
Pednekar, banking on her past record and personal connection with voters, immediately engaged with her colleagues. She stressed the importance of educating the younger generation about the history of the Shiv Sena. A central theme of her address was the significance of the coming together of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray for the cause of the Marathi manoos (Marathi people).
Thackeray Arrival and Street Campaigning
The excitement peaked with the arrival of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his son Tejas Thackeray. They greeted the gathered workers, providing a morale boost before departing. Following this, Pednekar embarked on a vibrant street campaign along N M Joshi Marg after 7:30 PM, accompanied by a group of workers and a band.
The campaign trail wound through areas like Mogul House and Shiv Shakti Park. Pednekar interacted directly with residents, reminding a pan shop owner of her inclusive approach with the phrase "humne chota bada dekha nahin" (we never discriminated). She urged everyone to support the mashaal (torch), her party's election symbol. Walking the pavements, she called out to voters by name, making personal appeals for their support.
Connecting with Voters: From Balwadi to Buildings
Pednekar's campaign took a personal turn when she entered a balwadi-cum-yoga centre. There, she high-fived children, asked them to recall her name and party symbol, and encouraged them to remind their parents to vote. In the bylanes, women in tenements and buildings welcomed her with traditional haldi-kumkum rituals. In some spots, her arrival was celebrated with bursts of crackers, while workers chanted slogans like ‘Water, meter, gutter; kaam karnar Pednekar'.
Promises and Political Contest
Addressing voters, Pednekar outlined her key promises. She vowed to complete pending works, specifically addressing persistent water supply issues. She also committed to pursuing the cluster redevelopment of Mhada buildings, a project she stated has already been initiated. To build trust, she reminded constituents of the work she and her party leaders undertook during the challenging Covid-19 pandemic.
Pednekar faces a multi-cornered contest in Ward 199. Her opponents include Shiv Sena's Rupal Kusale (wife of a former party colleague), Shashikala Jaiswar of the BSP, and Nandini Jadhav of the VBA. Her campaign leverages her experience, local connect, and the renewed unity within the Thackeray family as its core strengths.
