BJP Shows Strength in Mumbai's Alliance Battles
In Mumbai's recent civic elections, several wards saw a unique political scenario unfold. Alliance partners BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena engaged in what observers call "friendly fights." These contests occurred where both parties fielded candidates against each other despite being part of the Mahayuti coalition. Early results indicate the BJP has come out on top in most of these clashes, demonstrating its organizational muscle in the city.
Fort Area Showdown Goes to BJP
The Fort area witnessed one of the most high-profile contests of this kind. Here, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena put forward Sujata Sanap as its candidate. Sanap previously served as a corporator from ward 225. The BJP countered with Harshita Narwekar, a former corporator from ward 226 and sister-in-law of Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. Despite the alliance dynamics at play, voters in the Fort area chose Narwekar. Her victory points to the BJP's stronger electoral machinery and local influence in this part of Mumbai.
Controversial Win in Ward 173
A similar story played out in ward 173, where BJP candidate Shilpa Keluskar secured a win. She faced stiff competition from Pooja Kamble of the Shinde Sena. This contest drew extra attention due to the controversy surrounding Keluskar's candidacy. The BJP initially gave her a nomination letter for the ward. However, as part of last-minute alliance negotiations, the party later asked her to withdraw after conceding the seat to the Shiv Sena.
Matters took a dramatic turn when the Mumbai BJP filed a police complaint against Keluskar on January 3. The party alleged she made unauthorized use of BJP nomination papers. Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam also wrote to the State Election Commission. He urged the commission not to accept Keluskar's nomination, stating the party had formally withdrawn the forms issued to her. Despite these hurdles and the party's opposition, Keluskar remained in the race. She ultimately won the ward for the BJP, showcasing a complex internal party situation.
Congress Benefits from Alliance Split in Malad
Meanwhile, ward 34 in Malad presented a different political outcome. Here, Congress candidate Haider Ali Shaikh emerged victorious. Shaikh is the son of Malad MLA Aslam Shaikh. Both Mahayuti candidates in this ward—John Dennis of the BJP and Vijay Mahadik of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena—failed to make a significant impact. The result suggests a split in the alliance vote, which clearly worked to the advantage of the Congress candidate.
The Malad contest also highlighted the enduring influence of the Shaikh family in local politics. Three members of Aslam Shaikh's family contested in these civic polls. Besides his son Haider, his sister and son-in-law also stood for election. Of the three, his sister and son secured victories. This outcome further consolidates the family's political hold over the Malad constituency.
The Mumbai civic poll results reveal intriguing dynamics within the ruling alliance. The BJP's success in direct contests against its ally Shiv Sena suggests it holds the upper hand in several key areas. At the same time, the Congress managed to capitalize on division within the Mahayuti in Malad, indicating that local factors and family legacies continue to play a crucial role in Mumbai's political landscape.
