Fight for Mumbra-Kalwa: Amid shifts in political landscape, Awhad to battle former protégé

Awhad’s toughest political fight

At 61 years old, Jitendra Aw-had occupies a distinctive position in Maharashtra’s political landscape, having been elected three times from a constituency where Muslims make up nearly 44 percent of the electorate. The Mumbra-Kalwa constituency is demographically divided into two regions: the more cosmopolitan Kalwa, closer to Thane, with better urban planning, and Mumbra Kausa, a Muslim-majority area that a 2011 government committee described as experiencing a “reinforced perception of discrimination and a ‘step-motherly treatment’ from the government.”

Awhad’s advocacy for issues affecting the Muslim community—such as access to education, housing, and employment—along with his commitment to social justice, have solidified his political standing amongst the Muslim electorate in a constituency he has represented since 2009. His willingness to address topics that affect the community often overlooked by other politicians in the state has further endeared him to his supporters.

Jitendra Awhad’s blunt demeanour and brusque style have made him a polarising figure within his own party. However, his close ties to NCP supremo Sharad Pawar gave him a safety net—until the split in the NCP left him vulnerable.

Ajit Pawar was quick to target him, publicly blaming him for the exodus of several Thane NCP leaders.

Awhad, an OBC leader, has also drawn the ire of the BJP and right-wing organisations, especially after an incident during his tenure as a minister in the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government, when he allegedly confronted a right-wing activist at his residence.

Now, Awhad faces a formidable opponent in Najeeb Mulla, a former corporator and group leader of the NCP in the Thane Municipal Corporation. Once seen as Awhad’s protégé, Mulla has a troubled past, having spent time in jail linked to the suicide of a builder and then finding his name raked up in the murder of a prominent RTI activist. In recent years, Ajit Pawar has groomed Mulla as a direct counter to Awhad, displaying that Awhad’s defeat a top priority for the NCP.

While Awhad won the 2019 elections by a margin of over 70,000 votes and significantly contributed to a 65,000-vote lead for the Lok Sabha elections, the upcoming 2024 elections pose a greater challenge. Mulla claims the two’s fallout stems from Awhad’s failure to deliver on development issues. “I want to go beyond communal issues and focus on development. I aim to defeat arrogance and communal politics,” Mulla stated following his candidacy announcement.

Adding to Awhad’s challenges is the presence of a strong candidate from AIMIM, Saif Pathan, who was not in the race in 2019. This dynamic makes the upcoming election a crucial political test for Awhad.

Issues affecting the constituency

The Mumbra-Kalwa constituency grapples with a range of pressing issues. In Kalwa, the demand for improved urban infrastructure is paramount, while Mumbra faces significant challenges related to drug abuse and rising crime rates.

Mumbra’s youth has seen an alarming increase in drug abuse, driven by socio-economic factors, a lack of recreational opportunities, and peer pressure. This epidemic has been symbiotic with rising crime, with the constituency also seeing an increase in petty theft and violence.

Local resident Shabbir Mulla notes, “The drug menace resonates deeply in the constituency. It feels like a hidden epidemic that affects many, yet it remains largely unaddressed in political campaigns.”

As Awhad prepares for what may be his most challenging electoral battle, the effectiveness of his strategies, his ability to unify his party, and his responsiveness to community concerns will be critical in determining his political future. “This is a fight of dharma aga-inst adharma,” Awhad said while filing his nomination, encapsulating the stakes of this election.