Congress Candidate Nassima Juneja Campaigns Through Mumbai's Ward 213
Nassima Juneja, the Congress candidate for Ward 213 in Mumbai, stood at the gate of JJ Dharamshala with her husband, former corporator Javed Juneja. Her eyes scanned the road intently. She waited for the arrival of star campaigner and Mumbadevi MLA Amin Patel.
As Patel arrived, the political rally began its journey on foot towards Clare Road. A large AV van followed the procession closely. The vehicle carried a 100-inch screen that played a prerecorded video on loop.
Campaign Video Highlights Development Work
Javed Juneja appeared in the video, listing what he described as his development achievements in the ward. He mentioned the upgradation of two municipal schools into Mumbai Public Schools. These schools now offer English and CBSE education.
The video also highlighted a sewage treatment plant, a 100-mm stormwater drain, and the initiation of two multi-specialty hospitals. However, the video buffered intermittently during playback. It froze mid-sentence several times before resuming.
Rally Gains Momentum with Local Support
At every major turn along the route, party workers greeted the three leaders. They garlanded them and draped shawls over their shoulders. The crowd raised a mix of political slogans throughout the procession.
Chants of "Amin Patel hum tumhare saath hai" clearly drowned out other slogans. The phrase translates to "Amin Patel, we are with you."
As the procession entered Kamatipura, Amin Patel paused briefly. He joined an impromptu cricket game with local children playing in the area.
Redevelopment Enthusiasm Meets Immediate Concerns
When asked about the ward's biggest demand, Javed Juneja pointed to redevelopment. He cited enthusiasm for MHADA's cluster redevelopment scheme. The scheme promises 500-square-foot homes and Rs 25,000 as monthly rent during construction.
Residents, however, flagged more immediate concerns during the campaign walk. A shopkeeper pointed to parking as the most urgent issue facing the area.
He described narrow British-era lanes clogged with bikes parked three rows deep. Open spaces have been taken over by hawkers and construction debris, he explained.
Responding to these concerns, Juneja said, "Each and every house here has at least two vehicles. Easy loans have driven a surge in two-wheeler ownership and overwhelmed the area."
He added that cities should consider adopting a Singapore-style model. Under this model, vehicles would be sold only after verification of available parking space.
Campaign Enters Slum Clusters and Addresses Living Conditions
The procession then moved into a cramped slum cluster. The area is home to garment workers who stitch clothes in crowded rooms. Dozens often work together in a single space.
Juneja pointed to dilapidated BMC chawls in the area that were repaired during his tenure. He also highlighted a BMC dispensary—the SBT clinic—which was allowed, on a pilot basis, to operate until 10 pm.
Sanitation Challenges in Kamatipura
Back on the main roads of Kamatipura, trash lined both sides of the street. Garbage spilled down from buildings as residents threw waste out of windows.
When asked about sanitation in an area he has represented as both MLA and corporator since 2002, Amin Patel blamed long-standing habits. He claimed improvement has occurred despite visible challenges.
"The filth today is only about 10% of what it used to be," Patel said. "The next generation has better civic sense, and with redevelopment we have planned special garbage chutes from each house that will lead directly to collection points."
Campaign Concludes with Healthcare Promises
By late afternoon, the campaign caravan—now numbering around 100 to 150 people—halted once more. Supporters garlanded the candidates and draped shawls over them again.
The day's total reached 23 shawls and 27 garlands by this point in the campaign trail.
Nassima Juneja stated that if elected, her first priority will be healthcare. "The immediate focus will be completing work on Gaurabai Hospital on time," she said.
"We will start a maternity ward for the first time in this region, and along with the other hospital, we will also begin completely free chemotherapy services for residents."
The campaign walk through Ward 213 highlighted both political promises and the practical challenges facing Mumbai's urban neighborhoods.
