Divergent campaigns of local and national issues mark campaigning in Mumbai North Central LS seat

Candidates in Mumbai North Central constituency campaign vigorously ahead of Lok Sabha elections, focusing on national and local issues.

With four days left for the fifth and final phase of the Lok Sabha election in Maharashtra, candidates from the Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances in the Mumbai North Central constituency are in top gear ahead of polling.

They have been conducting rallies and campaigning vigorously in Bandra, Vile Parle, Chandivali, Kalina, and Kurla in the city to sway voters with their poll promises. BJP’s Ujjwal Nikam is highlighting national issues and relying on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s track record, while Congress’s Varsha Gaikwad, four-time MLA from Asia’s largest slum-cluster Dharavi, is canvassing support with local issues as a focal point.

During his rallies and ‘Know Your MP’ segment speeches, Mr. Nikam, a known figure in legal circles who served as a government counsel in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks case, was seen talking about the Prime Minister’s vision for the country, national security, comments by Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on the 26/11 attacks, and legislative efforts in India.

“Congress is setting a fake narrative by constantly spewing lies that the ‘Ab ki baar 400 paar’ (This time, we will cross 400 seats) slogan intends to change the Constitution, but it is not. They should not play with the country’s reputation,” he told The Hindu during a campaign trail in Kurla.

A voter said: “Both [candidates] are new to us. We came to hear Mr. Nikam vouch for the PM. Also, he has fought in court for our country’s good and if he wins, will represent the PM in our constituency. So, he deserves a chance.”

On the other hand, Ms. Gaikwad, while unveiling her manifesto, said: “I have come across residents’ issues, had detailed discussions with them and I have come up with a roadmap based on these suggestions.”

With a three-step plan through her Nyay manifesto, she aims to improve open spaces, prevent the cutting of trees, rejuvenate the airport funnel zone, increase local transportation, address unfair Goods and Services Tax (GST) on housing societies, and tackle pollution.