Shiv Sena Vs UBT In Chembur: Shinde's Tukaram Kate To Lock Horns With Uddhav's Prakash Phaterpekar

The upcoming assembly elections in Mumbai city and its suburbs are expected to be fiercely competitive and highly contested. While Eknath Shinde has received strong support from Shiv Sena MLAs across Maharashtra, most of the MLAs from Mumbai city and its suburbs, with a few exceptions, have remained loyal to Uddhav Thackeray.

However, several former municipal councillors and party officials have backed Eknath Shinde. The contests between Shiv Sena and UBT Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) are expected to be particularly noteworthy. One such contest is set to take place in the Chembur assembly constituency.

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Here, the battle is between Shiv Sena's Tukaram Kate and the Uddhav Thackeray faction's Prakash Phaterpekar. In the 2019 assembly elections, Prakash Phaterpekar secured 53,264 votes from Chembur, while Congress candidate Chandrakant Handore received 34,246 votes. Additionally, the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi came third in the constituency, with their candidate Rajendra Mahulkar garnering 23,178 votes.

The MNS (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena) secured the fourth position, with their candidate Karnbala Duble receiving 14,404 votes. Although the Konkani voter base is significant in Chembur, the votes of Dalit and North Indian communities also play a decisive role.

Tukaram Kate, A Former MLA

Tukaram Kate won the 2014 assembly elections from the Anushakti Nagar constituency, adjacent to Chembur, on a Shiv Sena ticket, defeating the strong NCP leader Nawab Malik. In the 2019 elections, Malik avenged his previous defeat. Now, both former MLAs from Anushakti Nagar are contesting in different constituencies-Tukaram Kate in Chembur and Nawab Malik in Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar.

Rahul Shewale's Influence

In the Chembur assembly constituency, Shiv Sena's former MP Rahul Shewale wields considerable influence. There was significant speculation about him contesting the election from this constituency, but in the end, the ticket was given to Tukaram Kate. Initially, Kate was aligned with Uddhav Thackeray following Eknath Shinde's rebellion but later switched allegiance to Shinde after receiving promises regarding the development of his school in Chembur. Though Kate was an MLA from Anushakti Nagar, he has considerable connections in Chembur as well and is known as a grassroots Shiv Sainik. Political circles are abuzz that by fielding Kate, Eknath Shinde has introduced a strong candidate in Chembur.

The Ashoka Pillar Monument

Shiv Sena has laid a strong foundation to secure a victory in the Chembur constituency by initiating various development works. Dalit voters are crucial here. The Ashoka Pillar monument, located opposite Ambedkar Park in Chembur, has finally been completed after 17 years of demands. In December, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation fast-tracked the work on this monument as part of the beautification of Ambedkar Park. For Dalit communities, Ambedkar Park in Chembur holds significant importance after Chaityabhoomi in Dadar. The completion of this project has fostered a sense of satisfaction among Dalit voters.

Will Kate Move Towards Victory?

In Siddharth Colony (Ward No. 152), the construction of the Buddha Vihara has been completed. Under the 'Majhi Ladki Bhagin' scheme, 25,000 women from the Chembur constituency have benefited. Other development projects have been initiated as part of Mumbai's beautification campaign, with Eknath Shinde personally overseeing many of these efforts. Tukaram Kate has already launched his campaign and is conducting door-to-door outreach. Eknath Shinde, as Chief Minister, is strongly supporting his candidacy. Additionally, Rahul Shewale's backing will serve as a significant resource for Kate. In this battle between the Thackeray and Shinde factions, Chembur's Shiv Sainiks are confident that Kate will emerge victorious in the Chembur assembly constituency.