LokSabha 2019: Poll scenario uncertain in most of the six constituencies in Mumbai

LokSabha 2019: Poll scenario uncertain in most of the six constituencies in Mumbai

MUMBAI: It is said that the battle for Maharashtra has to be first won in thee state’s capital. Mumbai has six Lok Sabha constituencies with a high number of voters. The city always witnesses a large divide among voters based on community, caste and linguistic lines. In absence of the saffron wave, which was witnessed in 2014, now the picture looks very uncertain in most of these six constituencies.

Another factor, which may play a major role during the election, is Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The party is strongly opposing Narendra Modi and has extended their support to the Congress-NCP alliance. In 2014, the city and suburbs of Mumbai saw a huge saffron wave and all candidates of BJP and Shiv Sena won riding on that wave. 

There are 96 lakh voters registered in Mumbai, who are going to cast their votes for six Members of Parliament. 

Traditionally, Mumbai is said to be a saffron bastion because of the dominating Shiv Sena. In the last few years, the picture has changed and the Shiv Sena’s bastion has tilted towards MNS. Now, the MNS will be an important factor because the party is not contesting any seats, but will be actively supporting the Congress or NCP candidates.  

Though there are religious, caste-based factors, the voters in Mumbai believe in developmental and infrastructural issues. As it is the financial capital, the economy of the country also plays a major role in elections. In the past four-and-a-half years, the city has seen various metro projects, which will ease the traffic in the city. But as of now, the city is facing major problems.

Not a single project has been completed. 

The urban middle class never takes elections seriously, but in 2014 election, they participated in large numbers and voted for Narendra Modi. Even the Gujratis and Jains, who never took part in this process, participated actively. This year, the enthusiasm is not visible among them. The communities, basically traders, are disappointed over last five years’ performance of the government. This will prove to be a major setback for the BJP and Shiv Sena candidates in Mumbai. 

The slum vote bank in Mumbai has traditionally been split between the Shiv Sena and the Congress, although the BJP has made inroads here. The NCP’s presence in the city is limited, but Congress has approach in these colonies. 

About 43.3 per cent of voters live in slums. This sizeable population may hold the key to the Lok Sabha polls. 

Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s assurance of larger 500 sq ft rehabilitation homes, could lure the slum population. 

In all, various factors will affect the six constituencies of Mumbai, making the results more uncertain than ever before.

Traditionally, Mumbai is said to be a saffron bastion because of the dominating Shiv Sena and its ground network. In the last few years, the picture has changed and the Shiv Sena’s bastion has tilted towards MNS. 

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