Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024: Three Senas Battle Over Encroachments And Slum Redevelopment In Magathane

Magathane, a sub-locality in Borivali East, is gearing up for a political showdown as the three major political parties-the Shiv Sena, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS)-battle for dominance in the upcoming election. The main issues at the heart of the contest include encroachments in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, poor water supply, and slum rehabilitation, as reported by Hindustan Times (HT).

Prakash Surve, the two-time sitting MLA from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, is confident of his re-election, stating that his work speaks for itself. "I have been available for the Janata, taking up issues ranging from slum redevelopment to streamlining water supply and getting the Borivali-Thane twin tunnel road approved," he said in HT. He also emphasized his efforts to ensure rehabilitation for families affected by the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road tunnel project.

On the other hand, MNS candidate Nayan Kadam criticised the Mahayuti and MVA for promoting schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana instead of focusing on providing jobs. "The Devipada SRA project has been stuck for years, leaving 900 families without homes," Kadam said, highlighting his party's actions to assist those living in substandard conditions.

Representing the Shiv Sena (UBT) is Udesh Patekar, though he was unavailable for comment to HT.

Magathane is a unique blend of housing societies, SRA buildings, and areas bordering the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, with a metro rail line running alongside the Western Express Highway. The constituency, home to over three million voters, faces significant issues like encroachment in the park and poor road infrastructure, which often leads to traffic congestion.

The constituency was created after the 2008 delimitation exercise, and since then, it has seen a shift in political allegiances. Pravin Darekar, the first MLA from Magathane, won on an MNS ticket before switching to the BJP, while Surve has held the seat since 2014.

Despite political rivalry, all candidates are vying for the support of slum-dwellers, low-income housing residents, and those in more affluent housing societies. With the BJP maintaining a stronghold in the area, following the election of Union Minister Piyush Goyal from the region in 2024, Magathane remains a crucial battleground in the upcoming election.