Rahul Shewale, Shiv Sena’s Mumbai South candidate: ‘When I seek Dharavi residents’ votes again in 5 years, it will be from their own homes’

There’s no confusion among voters. Shiv Sena has historically held a firm grip on this constituency. I consider myself fortunate to carry forward the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray in this constituency. The battle here revolves around the ideology of Balasaheb, which forms the core of Shiv Sena, versus an ideology aligned with the Congress, now embraced by Uddhav Thackeray. This entails opposing stances on issues like Ram Mandir, Section 370, and the Uniform Civil Code, contrary to Balasaheb’s support for these. In 2019, I secured a victory in this constituency because people voted for the Shiv Sena – BJP alliance. Uddhav Thackeray’s ideological shift towards the Congress hasn’t been well-received by locals, who are ardent followers of Balasaheb Thackeray and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose principles I also uphold.

What is your vision for the constituency?

This constituency is undergoing significant redevelopment in the form of projects. These encompass not just Dharavi but also the BDD Chawl, Gaothan Koliwada area, refugee colonies, and various dilapidated buildings. While many of these issues have been addressed through policy decisions, I am collaborating with the state government to expedite these projects, ensuring locals can soon reside in their own homes. Additionally, I am tackling the rising pollution levels in the constituency.

Major infrastructural development projects are already underway, including the construction of BKC and Mankhurd Ghatkopar Link flyovers. While prioritising development, environmental protection remains crucial. To this end, I am committed to formulating an effective development plan (DP) that addresses pollution control, environmental preservation, education, healthcare, and other primary needs of the locals, including 24/7 water supply. My vision entails implementing this plan within 10 years, heralding positive transformation in the constituency.

With the development plans, people express concerns about displacement. How do you reassure them of positive outcomes?

There should be no apprehension about displacement. Dharavi residents need not relocate to Mulund or any other area. We will facilitate reallocation within existing spaces, supplemented by the availability of 360-acre salt-pan land where they can be accommodated until their new homes are ready. Whether in Dharavi or other areas undergoing redevelopment, I reassure locals during my campaigning that when I seek their votes again in the next five years, it will be from their own homes.