Mumbai: Firecrackers crackle and garlands sway as BJP candidate Rakhi Jadhav opens her election office on the bustling Sixty Feet Road, momentarily drowning out the noise of the traffic with chants and applause. Supporters spill on to the pavement, stopping to take photographs and greet the candidate — an early signal that Ward No. 133 in Ghatkopar (East) is headed for a keenly watched contest.A short distance away, Jadhav’s main campaign control room near Vanita Samaj hums through the day. Volunteers, residents and party workers move in and out constantly, many waiting patiently just to flag a civic issue or exchange a quick word. Pant Nagar, dominated by Marathi-speaking households, forms the emotional core of her campaign, while the Gujarati-speaking stretches along Sixty Feet Road bring a distinct, business-oriented voter base.“This is (going to be) my fourth term,” Jadhav says between meetings. “I first contested in 2007 from Ramabai Nagar. Ward numbers and reservations changed, but my work and my connect with people here continued.”A three-time corporator, Jadhav argues that continuity matters in a ward grappling with redevelopment-led stress. “One five-year term is often not enough,” she says. “This was a low-lying area. Stormwater drains, sewer and water lines were laid in 1964. Today, redevelopment has multiplied the pressure on infrastructure.”As buildings that once housed 30 families now accommodate over 100, traffic snarls, pedestrian bottlenecks and shrinking open spaces dominate daily conversations. Hawker congestion, she admits, remains contentious. “Yes, hawkers are a major issue, but solutions must balance livelihoods and public convenience,” she says.Pant Nagar resident Amey Karbhari often shadows Jadhav after finishing his day-time job. “She is one of the most approachable leaders,” he says. “She listens to everyone’s grievances and tries to resolve them.”Another familiar presence is Alka Jadhav, part of the Jadhav family’s election efforts since 1992. “Wherever she goes, people say, ‘Didi, your work will ensure your win,'” she says, as supporters queue up to meet the candidate. Local resident Varsha Pauskar echoes the sentiment, recalling pandemic outreach. “She and her family did tremendous work during Covid-19. Nobody here will forget it,” Pauskar says.Jadhav’s campaign is backed by senior leaders of the BJP. Former minister Prakash Mehta, sitting MLA Parag Shah, former MP Manoj Kotak and former corporator Bhalchandra Shirsat have been visiting her offices, reviewing booth-level preparedness and boosting worker morale. The contest, though, is far from one-sided. Jadhav’s main challenger is Vrushali Chawak of the Shiv Sena (UBT, who is seeking to capitalise on redevelopment-related discontent. “We have a strong chance of winning this seat because there is clear anti-incumbency,” says Vishal. “Infrastructure has not kept pace with massive redevelopment in Pant Nagar.”Jadhav’s days begin around 9 am with society and group meetings, stretching into evening rallies and sabhas. “We’ve divided the ward into 10–12 parts and try to cover one area every day,” she says. As she steps into another crowded lane, she explains that she was born and brought up here. “For me, this campaign is not about introductions—it’s about continuing a long conversation with my people.”
