Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jan 13: With the political battle for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) heating up, Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC) president and MP Varsha Gaikwad on Tuesday asserted that the Congress will play a decisive role in the formation of the civic body and the selection of the next Mayor.
Dismissing claims that the Congress has been marginalised in the Mumbai civic elections, Gaikwad said the party is confident of significantly improving its seat tally. “The political arithmetic of Mumbai is changing. No party will be able to install a Mayor in the BMC without the support of the Congress,” she said.
Targeting the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the Thackeray-led Sena-MNS combine, Gaikwad criticised the ongoing “Marathi versus Hindutva” narrative, stating that the Congress is not interested in identity politics. She said the party’s focus remains firmly on development and addressing the everyday problems faced by Mumbaikars.
“While others are fighting over religion, caste and language, we are concerned about traffic congestion, water supply, garbage disposal and rising air pollution. Mumbai needs a Mayor who works on the ground for the people, not one who functions only from Mantralaya,” she remarked.
Gaikwad also highlighted the Congress’ alliance with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), Rashtriya Samaj Paksha (RSP) and the RPI (Gavai faction). She said the alliance is aimed at consolidating Dalit, Muslim and minority votes and would help the Congress substantially increase its presence in the civic body.
Launching a sharp attack on the state government, Gaikwad accused the Mahayuti of neglecting Mumbai’s interests and “selling off” the city’s land for various projects. She claimed that the Congress has historically contributed to the city’s development, citing projects such as the Sea Link and major highways, and vowed to protect Mumbai’s resources for its residents.
The BMC elections are scheduled to be held on January 15, with the Congress positioning itself as a key power broker in the country’s richest municipal corporation.