Tejasvee Ghosalkar emerged victorious in the Ward 2 election in Mumbai. Supporters of the BJP chanted her name loudly during the declaration. The 38-year-old former corporator won the seat that covers parts of Dahisar East.
A Tough Battle Against Sena (UBT)
Ghosalkar faced a challenging contest against Sena (UBT) candidate Dhanashree Kolge. She secured a decisive win with a margin of 10,755 votes. Ghosalkar received 16,484 votes while Kolge managed to get 5,729 votes.
Political Shift Before Elections
Ghosalkar made a significant political move just one month before the elections. She switched from Shiv Sena (UBT) to the BJP. This transition added intensity to the electoral battle in Ward 2.
Campaign Support from Thackeray Family
Speaking to TOI on January 15, Ghosalkar revealed interesting details about the campaign. The entire Thackeray family actively campaigned in Dahisar before the polls. Uddhav, Rashmi, Aditya, Raj, and Amit Thackeray all participated in the efforts.
"This made the contest one to watch out for," Ghosalkar told TOI. The involvement of the prominent political family created considerable buzz around the election.
Personal Journey and Inspiration
Ghosalkar shared emotional insights about her political journey. Her late husband, Abhishek, guided her during her previous term as corporator in Ward 1. This election marked her first campaign without his physical presence.
"But it was his dream that I continue in politics," she explained. The memory of her husband served as motivation throughout the election process.
Credit to Campaign Team
After her victory on Friday, Ghosalkar acknowledged her entire team's contribution. She specifically mentioned former corporator Jagdish Ojha for standing by her side throughout the campaign. The collective effort played a crucial role in her success.
"I will now work for development issues for Ward 2," Ghosalkar declared. She expressed her commitment to addressing local concerns and improving the constituency.
Family Support Across Party Lines
When asked about family support, Ghosalkar provided a thoughtful response. Her father-in-law Vinod and brother-in-law Saurabh remain with Shiv Sena (UBT). Despite different political affiliations, she believes she will always have the family's blessings.
"Irrespective of their political leanings," she stated, emphasizing that family bonds transcend political differences.
Election Context and Significance
The Ward 2 election in Mumbai attracted considerable attention due to several factors:
- The last-minute party switch by Ghosalkar
- Strong campaigning by the Thackeray family
- The emotional backdrop of Ghosalkar's personal story
- The substantial victory margin of 10,755 votes
This win strengthens the BJP's position in Mumbai's local politics. It also demonstrates how candidate popularity can overcome established political alliances in certain constituencies.
