Urdu Press Focuses on Mumbai's Civic Power Struggle and Worker Welfare
Urdu newspapers have turned their attention to a critical question. Who will control India's richest civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation? The BMC commands an annual budget exceeding seventy thousand crore rupees. The dailies covered the recent Maharashtra civic polls with the intensity typically reserved for major state elections.
They also cast a spotlight on turbulent international events. These range from the raging unrest in Iran to former President Trump's latest maneuvers concerning Greenland.
Inquilab Examines BJP's Dominance and Opposition Woes
The New Delhi edition of Inquilab published an editorial on January 18. It pointed out a significant first. The BJP has established its dominance in Mumbai and other key Maharashtra cities following the civic poll results.
"These outcomes are not surprising," the editorial notes. "They follow BJP victories in states like Haryana, Bihar, and Maharashtra itself." The paper observes that poll results in successive states have buffeted opposition parties. These parties have cried foul, alleging various electoral irregularities.
Rahul Gandhi continues to accuse the BJP and the Election Commission of 'vote chori'. Yet, the editorial states a clear point. The BJP-dominated electoral landscape in the country shows no sign of change.
The editorial highlights a major shift in Mumbai. The BMC was ruled by the undivided Shiv Sena for three decades. Now, the BJP has ended the reign of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT).
Even Uddhav Thackeray's reunion with his estranged cousin, MNS chief Raj Thackeray, could not counter the BJP. The party emerged as the single largest party with 89 of 227 seats. This is an increase from 82 seats in 2017.
"The BJP and its ally, the Deputy CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, have together secured a majority in the BMC," the edit says. "The Shinde Sena clearly played a significant role in the BJP's win."
The politics of breaking rival parties have fueled BJP's expansion in Maharashtra. Both the Uddhav-led Sena and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP suffered vertical splits.
The daily poses a crucial question. "Whether there are no opportunities left for secular parties now? Have the Opposition parties lost all their grounds? Have their politics completely lost traction?"
It calls for introspection from the two NCP factions, the MNS, and the Samajwadi Party in Maharashtra. These groups have suffered blows. The Congress has not been decimated entirely. It managed to win a few corporations despite an overall poor performance.
"But the Congress leadership must also reflect," it says. "Why did it lose the advantage gained in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections during subsequent Assembly and local body polls?"
Urdu Times Decodes the Numbers and the Mayor's Race
The Mumbai-based Urdu Times analyzed the results in its January 19 editorial. It points out the BJP emerged as the single largest party in 20 of the 29 municipal corporations that went to polls.
However, a dependency exists. In several corporations, the BJP would rely on its ally, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, to get its mayor elected.
"Its prime example is Mumbai," the editorial states. "The BJP's dream of having its first mayor rides on the Shinde Sena's support."
The BJP holds 89 seats in the 227-member BMC. It depends on the Shinde Sena's 29 seats to reach the majority mark of 114.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is aware of his party's decisive role. He has moved all his corporators to a five-star hotel in Mumbai. This move aims to prevent them from being poached by rival groups.
The opposition camp's tally in the BMC is not far behind the magic number. The Uddhav Sena secured 65 seats, and the Congress won 24 seats.
"While the BJP will go all out to clinch the Mumbai mayor's post, the party would also face a tussle with the Shinde Sena in other cities," the editorial states.
Given its numbers, heft, and resources, the BJP may eventually gain the upper hand in all these civic bodies. All eyes are now on the BMC. The Shinde Sena pushes for having its mayor first as part of a rotational deal.
"However, BJP leaders are not ready to concede this to Shinde," it says. The suspense will continue until Shinde holds talks with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. These talks will follow Fadnavis's return from Davos.
Inquilab Welcomes End of 10-Minute Delivery Deadline
In a separate leader on January 14, the New Delhi Inquilab welcomed a government move. The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment asked delivery aggregators to drop the "10-minute delivery" deadline.
Firms like Blinkit, Zomato, and Swiggy received this directive. The editorial notes this concept was once pitched as a symbol of urban convenience and technological innovation.
However, its disturbing implications for the safety, security, and dignity of delivery partners soon came to light. The recent countrywide strike by gig workers, the firms' pushback, and the government's intervention point to a glaring reality.
"No model of economic growth could ever be sustainable unless it aligns with fundamental principles of social security, justice, and public welfare," it argues.
During the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns, the delivery of essentials was a blessing for urban residents. As the pandemic ended, cut-throat competition among firms led platforms to put a premium on speed.
This drive was fueled by apps, dark stores, and algorithms. The "real price" has been paid by riders who put their lives at risk.
Gig worker grievances are not limited to unfair wages. They also include unsafe and stressful working conditions. These are defined by strict deadlines, ratings, penalties, ID blocking, dangerous driving, and air pollution.
The firms claim their 10-minute promise relies on logistics and infrastructure, not on asking riders to drive faster. They claim riders clock an average speed of about 16 km/h.
"Behind these data, however, a different reality lurks on the ground," the editorial states. "It reflects long duty hours, unsteady income, and intense work pressure. It betrays the failings of an exploitative business model."
The government's move to end 10-minute delivery offers relief to gig workers. It also sends a strong message to corporations.
"In the race for growth, human life cannot be ignored," it concludes. "Consumer convenience cannot be allowed to override worker distress."
The editorial adds that the government should review the entire gig economy. It must bring it under a statutory framework. This would ensure fair wages, improved working conditions, realistic deadlines, and social security for all workers.
