BMC polls: Delimitation soon, corporators anxious

Population in the island city has decreased in pockets such as Mumbadevi, Byculla, Mahim and Worli.

Simultaneously, there has been a rise in the population in the western suburbs. In 2014, data released by the Mumbai collector showed that population in the island city had shrunk by 14 per cent — from 26.87 lakh voters in 2009 to 23.09 lakh until January 31, 2014.

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Mumbai Regional Congress Committee president Sanjay Nirupam said he hoped there were no major differences in voter population between the two constituencies. “The new boundaries must ensure there is a mix of different communities, languages and societies. It should not be demarcated to help one party increase its vote bank. Also, care must be taken that population is equally distributed in numbers,” he said.

Admitting that the competition will get tough internally among party members in the island city, he said three criteria would be included while giving tickets. “If he is a sitting corporator, his performance and attendance will be seen. If he is not a sitting corporator, his connection with locals will be checked,” Nirupam said, adding that
the third factor would be winnability.

City BJP president Asish Shelar said the party welcomed the delimitation idea. “Priority to select a candidate for the ward will be accessibility. We want him or her to be a part of the natural boundaries and not travel all the way where they are not involved much with their constituency,” he said.

Several corporators are, however, anxious. Shraddha Jadhav, a Shiv Sena corporator from F North ward and former mayor, said they were waiting for the delimitation process to get over. “We cannot predict whether the new constituencies will add to our benefit or not. I have a strong voter base but change in boundaries means new voter population will get merged,” she said.

Noshir Mehta, Congress corporator from Bellais Chawl to Navjeevan Society, said delimitation “is a positive move”. “The suburbs are where the opportunities are. I admit that the selection of candidates in the city will be a tight contested battle, but, I am confident of my chances. People have noticed the work in their area,” he said.

While delimitation will influence which candidates get tickets, lottery system for reserved or open wards will also influence elections. “If a constituency is in reserved category, open category candidates may shift to another constituency to contest. There are also good chances of two civic constituencies getting merged, which will also increase competition. Once the constituencies are finalised, the party will take a call on how to proceed,” said Mumbadevi MLA Amin Patel of the Congress.

mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com