Mumbai's sprawling Dharavi slum voted differently from most of the city in recent elections. The area showed a clear preference for opposition parties. Out of seven wards, Congress won two seats. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena UBT secured four victories. Only one seat went to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The BJP failed to win any seat in this constituency.
Residents Prioritize Redevelopment Concerns
Local observers explain this voting pattern. Residents chose parties they believe will protect their interests. A major government redevelopment project is underway. The Adani group is involved in this joint venture. People want assurances about rehabilitation during negotiations.
Dharavi's Diverse Population and Voting History
Dharavi has approximately 350,000 residents. The population mix includes about 40% Muslims. Hindus make up 30-35% of residents. Christians, Dalits, and other communities form the remainder. Elections here have traditionally involved complex alliances.
Deepak Kale commented on BJP's performance. His wife Asha Kale won Ward 183 for Congress. He stated clearly, "BJP has never managed to get a foothold in Dharavi."
Why Congress Remains Relevant in Dharavi
Many residents associate Congress with tangible civic improvements. These changes may be incremental but they are noticeable. Esai Raja, a coaching teacher in Dharavi, explained voter sentiment. People remember the party's work on basic infrastructure problems. Drainage issues received particular attention.
Congress also implemented welfare schemes that resonated locally. The party offered laptops and scholarships. These benefits targeted students who cleared Class XII. Such initiatives created positive memories among voters.
Taufiq Ansari, a waste picker, invoked older Congress slogans. The "garibi hatao" (remove poverty) message still connects. It speaks directly to Dharavi's experience of chronic poverty.
Voting Patterns Across Communities
Muslim voters largely consolidated behind Congress candidates. Some pockets showed different preferences. Brahmanwada, home to the potter community, leaned toward the BJP-Shinde Sena candidate. This demonstrates the complex voting calculus in diverse neighborhoods.
Expert Analysis on Local Governance
Amita Bhide studies local governance at Tata Institute of Social Sciences. She identified redevelopment as the primary concern. "While there are a lot of issues, the thing which is uppermost in the minds of all Dharavi residents is redevelopment," she stated.
Bhide explained how residents express their concerns. Electoral choices remain one of their few avenues. "The only way in which they can articulate things is through protests, mobilizations or voting," she noted. This doesn't mean residents oppose redevelopment entirely. Rather, they seek to influence the process. Voting becomes a method to mobilize support. Residents want the redevelopment agenda adjusted to meet local demands.
The election results send a clear message. Dharavi residents used their votes strategically. They supported parties they believe will negotiate better terms. The redevelopment project's future remains a central issue. How negotiations proceed will likely influence future political alignments in this dense Mumbai neighborhood.
