In the far eastern reaches of Mumbai, the N ward stands at a critical juncture. This constituency, encompassing the areas of Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, parts of Chembur, and Powai, is a landscape of contrasts—home to both sprawling slums and hilly terrain. As redevelopment projects and new infrastructure initiatives promise change, the ward grapples with persistent civic issues and a significant political reshuffle ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
A Political Landscape in Flux
The political map of N ward is undergoing a dramatic transformation. In the 2017 BMC elections, the undivided Shiv Sena secured five of the eleven electoral wards, reflecting the area's substantial Marathi-speaking population. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won three seats in Ghatkopar, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) took two, and one seat went to an independent candidate.
Today, the scenario has shifted. Following the split in Shiv Sena, the electoral fight is largely between the BJP and the Shiv Sena (UBT). Adding to the dynamic, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is contesting three seats, setting up triangular contests against both Sena factions and the BJP. Notably, almost all former corporators have defected to other parties, redrawing battle lines.
Tukaram Patil, a former Shiv Sena corporator now contesting on a UBT ticket, frames the contest as "Marathi vs non-Marathi." He points out that in some wards, the Marathi population constitutes 80-90%, making those seats less competitive. The political atmosphere was previously charged in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when clashes over dietary habits between communities were reported, with MNS involvement. However, most residents maintain that different communities coexist peacefully.
Another candidate, Archana Bhalerao, who moved from the undivided Sena to the BJP, sees ample opportunity for her new party. "The demographic is split down the middle, so we can easily put up a good fight even if the Marathi vote escapes us," she stated.
Persistent Civic Woes in Slum and Hill Areas
Despite political promises and claims of past work on water supply, drains, and toilets, a deep sense of dissatisfaction prevails among citizens. The ward's challenges are emblematic of Mumbai's larger urban struggles.
Dhiraj Gholap, a local resident, paints a stark picture of Ghatkopar. "Most of Ghatkopar is a slum, and so the issues here are typical to slums," he explains. He lists critical failures: a severe lack of public toilets due to slow reconstruction, forcing open defecation; drainage work orders that see no implementation; erratic water supply that arrives only once every few days, compelling residents to fetch water from distant sources; and inconsistent garbage collection.
Compounding these problems is the ever-present threat of landslides. The hills within the ward are dotted with informal settlements, making them some of the city's most vulnerable areas during the monsoon.
Residents from more developed parts of the ward face different challenges. Chetan Gajaria highlights traffic congestion that has "snowballed into a large issue," exacerbated by on-street parking. He also notes that while slum rehabilitation authority (SRA) projects are slowly replacing informal settlements, the redevelopment of old buildings is generating significant pollution. Other irritants include unregulated hawkers and auto-rickshaws that refuse short-distance rides.
Infrastructure Projects Amidst Daily Struggles
The narrative of N ward is one of transition. Several parts are on the cusp of change, caught between ongoing redevelopment, upcoming infrastructure projects, and the daily grind of inadequate civic amenities. This duality defines the ward's current reality—a place where future plans for development clash with the immediate, unmet needs of its population.
The upcoming BMC elections will be a crucial test for all political parties. Voters will weigh past performance, current grievances, and future promises. The outcome in N ward will not only reflect local sentiments but also offer insights into the broader political mood in Mumbai as the city navigates its complex growth.
