Shiv Sena's Shaina NC Holding Strong Position In Muslim-Dominated Mumbadevi Seat

The election in the Mumbadevi constituency, which has around 250,000 voters, is expected to be highly competitive this time. Shaina NC from the Shiv Sena Shinde faction, representing the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, will be contesting against the incumbent Congress MLA Amin Patel.

Previously considered a BJP stronghold, this constituency shifted to Congress after delimitation.

Photo Credit: PTI

Since Amin Patel has represented this assembly seat since 2009, there is now speculation that voters may be in the mood for change.

Advantage of BJP-Shiv Sena Unity

In this constituency, BJP's national spokesperson Shaina NC has received a ticket from the Shiv Sena Shinde faction. Shaina NC has a strong hold in the constituency and is well-recognised due to her active involvement in social work. The decision to nominate a BJP member by Shiv Sena has strengthened the unity within the alliance, and BJP, Shiv Sena Shinde faction, and Ajit Pawar's NCP faction are visibly active in her campaign.

Discontent with the Incumbent MLA

Amin Patel, the sitting MLA, has represented the constituency since 2009. However, opposition parties have criticised his tenure, citing that fundamental issues remain unresolved. The area is characterised by dilapidated buildings, overcrowded housing, traffic congestion, and neglected civic amenities. Many buildings are over 100 years old, with several in a decaying state. Issues like redevelopment delays, illegal encroachments on pavements, aged water supply infrastructure, and water theft are frequent complaints from residents, leading to a possibility of change this election.

Shaina NC Leading in Campaigns

Shiv Sena Shinde faction's candidate Shaina NC seems to be leading the campaign currently. Shaina is a familiar face in the constituency, being the daughter of former Mumbai Mayor and Sheriff Nana Chudasama. As a fashion designer with years of political and social engagement, she has focused her campaign on areas like Dongri, Umarkhadi, Kumbharwada, Bhuleshwar, and Khetwadi, where Marathi and Gujarati voters reside. Some analysts believe the BJP's support and the Shiv Sena's bow-and-arrow symbol could work in her favour.

BJP's Legacy in the Constituency

BJP's Raj Purohit won from this constituency four times in a row until 2004. However, after delimitation, the Muslim population in the area increased, and Congress gained ground. Mumbadevi constituency now includes areas like Bhendi Bazaar, Null Bazaar, Chor Bazaar, Mohammad Ali Road, Nakhuda Mohalla, Dongri, and parts of Nagpada, which are predominantly Muslim. It also has a significant Gujarati, Marwadi, and Jain population in areas like C.P. Tank Circle, Bhuleshwar, and Sutar Galli, while Marathi voters are relatively more concentrated in Kumbharwada, Khetwadi, and Sutar Galli. BJP and Shiv Sena are actively focusing on these areas to prevent vote division.

Competition with 10 Muslim Candidates

Shaina NC is running on the Shiv Sena Shinde faction ticket in Mumbadevi, a constituency with a 65% Muslim voter base. There are also numerous Muslim candidates contesting, which could potentially lead to vote splitting that might benefit Shaina NC. These candidates include Amin Patel (Indian National Congress), Parmesh Murli Kurakula (Right to Recall Party), Mohammad Shoaib Bashir Khatib (Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram)), Mohammad Zaid Mansuri (All India Majlis-e-Inqilab-e-Millat), Mohammad Naeem Sheikh (AIM Political Party), Hammad Syed (Peace Party), Amir Iqbal Natik (Independent), Nazir Hameed Khan (Independent), Mohammad Raza Ismail Motiwala (Independent), and Uma Parveen Babu Jariwala (Independent).