Even as Mumbai has witnessed the debacle of Left-leaning labour unions decades ago, several sections continue to witness the Left leadership leading from the front. A number of these leaders are contesting from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in the ongoing Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election to keep “alive the voice of the working class”.
From seamen’s union to anganwadi workers and from hawkers to domestic workers unions, the workers’ leaders are testing the poll waters while raising the workers’ issues in an election which is witnessing polarisation on the basis of language and religion.
Sugandhi Francis, president of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai Domestic Workers’ Union, is contesting from ward number 115 in Bhandup. Congress, NCP (SP), Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and Samajwadi Party have extended support to her, as she will take on BJP’s Smita Parab and Jyoti Rajbhoj of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
“For the last 36 years, I have been working in this area, assisting people to solve their day-to-day problems. From encroachment on open gardens to lack of availability of water, me and our union have been in the forefront to sort out problems. The decision to contest election from CPM was taken because we have seen both other sides and they have failed. We are giving the third option to the people,” Francis told The Indian Express.
Manoj Kumar Yadav, General Secretary, Forward Seamen’s Union of India, a national-level trade union leader in the shipping industry and All India Gig Workers Union leader, is contesting from ward number 206 of Sewri – considered as a Thackeray bastion.
Two Sena heavyweights Sachin Padval of Sena UBT and Nana Ambole of Shinde Sena are contesting from this ward.
Yadav, while attacking the ruling alliance for allegedly failing to provide civic amenities to Mumbai, said that Sewri is known as the heart of Mumbai, belonging to the original residents of the city.
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“My ward belongs to the workers. It is my duty to raise their voice and their problems. From ensuring the redevelopment of slums through cluster development and ensuring the timely delivery of civic amenities will be my priority,” said Yadav.
The dominant Left and socialist trade unions from mills and government bodies controlled Mumbai’s politics till late 70s. With the rise of Shiv Sena, formed by late Bal Thackeray, the dominance was successfully challenged. The collapse led to the overall downfall of the Left movement in the state. Even as the workers’ unions continue to work effectively in respective domains, the collective electoral impact has never been witnessed.
In Mankhurd, Sangita Kamble, general secretary of Anganwadi workers union, is contesting from ward number 143, where a total of 18 candidates are in the fray.
“After working among Anganwadi, Asha workers, hawkers, naka workers for 22 years, I thought it was time to take a step forward. I decided to contest from the CPM because none of the established parties have delivered what they promised,” said Kamble.
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Hawkers and trade union leader Shailendra Kamble is contesting the election from ward 86 in Marol area of Andheri.
“We believe in raising the issues that matters and not to fall for agenda set by parties like BJP or Shiv Sena. We work among workers, we work for them and it is our duty to amplify their voice. The election campaign is a platform for us to bring important issues in front of public. We plan to use it to keep the voice of working class alive,” said Kamble.
Alok Deshpande is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized for his focused and authoritative reporting on governance, politics, and the socio-economic dynamics of Maharashtra's hinterlands. His unique academic background in Geology and early work in the water sector provides a specialized layer of Expertise to his reporting on resource and environmental issues.
Expertise
Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai.
Core Authority: Alok provides detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, with a particular emphasis on how policies and power struggles affect the rural and semi-urban areas (the 'hinterlands').
Key Coverage Areas: His reports frequently focus on high-stakes administrative and political topics, including:
State Assembly Proceedings: In-depth reporting on the Legislative Assembly, covering ministerial statements, legislative debates, and inter-party conflict within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Policy & Finance: Coverage of state finances, including supplementary budget demands, fiscal deficits, and major government schemes (e.g., Jal Jeevan Mission, Ladki Bahin Yojana).
Rural and Social Issues: Reports on critical health issues (e.g., child deaths in districts), human-animal conflict (leopard attacks, stray dogs), and agrarian concerns (e.g., farmer suicides).
Local and Urban Governance: Covers major announcements regarding urban development (e.g., BMC's OC amnesty scheme, pagdi system push) and local body elections, including political defections and alliance splits.
Unique Credentials & Trustworthiness
Academic Specialization: Holds a Post-graduate degree in Geology. This background gives him a foundational understanding of natural resources, which directly informs his reporting on environment, water, and infrastructure projects.
Early Professional Experience: His shift to journalism came after working with an NGO focused on the water sector. This practical experience strengthens his Expertise in critical areas like water management and rural development, as evidenced by his reporting on the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Journalism Training: An alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, confirming his formal training and commitment to rigorous journalistic standards.
Alok Deshpande's rare combination of scientific education, non-profit sector experience, and deep political reporting makes him a highly trusted and authoritative voice on the governance and ground realities of Maharashtra.
He tweets @alokdesh ... Read More
