MUMBAI: Muslim voters within the Byculla constituency are in a dilemma, because the seat is now set for a showdown between sitting MLA and former corporator Yamini Jadhav of the Shiv Sena and Manoj Jamsutkar, a former corporator from the Shiv Sena (UBT) from Nagpada. Whereas Jadhav performed door-to-door campaigns in Madanpura, Jamsutkar organised a ‘jaahir sabha’ on Sunday at Jhula Maidan in Madanpura bolstered by the presence of Sena (UBT) chief Aaditya Thackeray.
Muslim voters unsure in Sena-vs-Sena battle
Arshad Sheikh, an entrepreneur and voter from Tadwadi in Mazgaon, commented, “Last month, Karim building in Madanpura collapsed, affecting 29 families and around 1,500 residents. Despite receiving votes from our community, sitting MP Arvind Sawant didn’t show up. It was a huge disappointment, and his lack of action is bound to have a detrimental effect on the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s prospects. This will definitely influence the voting pattern, as many Muslim voters here are currently uncertain.”
Aslam Khan from Madanpura added, “Byculla is an easy constituency for an outsider to win, as voters can get influenced easily here, but no one knows the current candidate from the Sena (UBT) and our community is not sure about voting for the Mahayuti. We are unsure about whom to support.”
Sitting MLA Yamini Jadhav is unfazed by the challenges and is assured of getting help from the 42 % Muslim inhabitants, as she claims to have an inclusive method. An advocate of girls’s rights, Jadhav not too long ago influenced a big coverage change by securing approval for pregnant ladies cops to put on sarees. In one other woman-friendly transfer, after witnessing ladies’s discomfort whereas breastfeeding at Mumbadevi Backyard, she established a ‘Hirkani Kaksh’ at Jijamata Udyan in Byculla, the place ladies have a non-public house to breastfeed, change diapers, and attend to their infants.
Jadhav contested the Lok Sabha elections in Might 2024 towards the Sena (UBT)’s Arvind Sawant and misplaced. Emphasising the significance of the private connection between a Vidhan Sabha candidate and native constituents, she mentioned, “In the assembly elections, a candidate is more accessible, is a resident of the constituency, and understands the voters’ sentiments. I am available 24/7 for my voters.” In response to a Praja Basis report, Jadhav ranks eighth out of 288 MLAs, underscoring her dedication to public service.
When questioned in regards to the Urdu Studying Centre she had deliberate for her constituency, which confronted opposition, Jadhav defined, “Byculla has a 42% Muslim population, and many notable poets like Kaifi Azmi hailed from here. People see this centre as a way to preserve and learn this beautiful language.”
At 9 pm on Sunday Aditya Thackeray made an entry at Jhula Maidan with trumpets, drumrolls and fireworks to help Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate, Jamsutkar. Former MLAs Yusuf Abrahani and Madhukar Chavan from the Congress, the latter representing the seat in 2009-2014 and 1999-2004, have been additionally current.
Jamsutkar mentioned that he contested the civic elections for the primary time from Nagpada in 2012, and the overall feeling then was {that a} Hindu man wouldn’t perceive the Muslim neighborhood. “But the work I did as a councillor in Nagpada in the last five years is still remembered,” he mentioned. “What work has the ruling party done other than painting walls? The state government spent huge funds and should be held accountable.”
Jamsutkar mentioned he would work on air pollution, parking and the “biggest issue”, the redevelopment of outdated and dilapidated buildings. “Just as Aadityasaheb is working to promote basketball players at Nagpada, likewise in the Agripada YMCA ground I will promote youth playing football and cricket,” he mentioned. “If I get elected, I will open an academy and promote them at the national level.”