Mumbai: Eknath Shinde led Shivsena has given ticket of South Mumbai Constituency to Shivsena MLA Yamini Jadhav, wife of former standing committee Chairman Yashwant Jadhav. Announcement of Jadhav has ruined the dream of state assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar and cabinet Minister Mangalprabhat Lodha. Both these leaders had started their campaigning in the south Mumbai after declaration of elections in the country.
Now, it has been said that there will be tough fight between Yamini Jadhav and UBT Shivsena candidate Arvind Sawant In the election. South Mumbai Constituency area comprises Colaba, Mumba Devi, Byculla, Malbar Hill, Parel-Seweri and Worli area of Mumbai.
Mahayuti was searching a strong candidate against Arvind Sawant who is two term MP from South Mumbai. After vertical split in the UBT Shivsena and alliance with the Congress and NCP parties, Muslim voters of Bhendi Bazar, Mumba Devi and Byculla area had turned towards UBT Shivsena.
Apart from that UBT Shivsena has stronghold in Parel-Sewri- Lalbaug area which is considered as Marathi speaking area. On the other side, BJP has support only from Malabarhill and some part of Colaba area. Therefore, Mahayuti was desperately searching for strong candidate against Sawant.
Initially, BJP was interested in the seat and name of candidate was kept on hold. But the last date of nomination filing for the fifth phase is going to be ended on May 03 therefore, CM Shinde has declared his party candidates for South Mumbai.
Yamini Jadhav two term corporator from Mazagon area. She also won the state assembly election in the 2019 from the Byculla assembly constituency. She had defeated sitting MLA Waris Pathan of AIMIM. She was successfully turned Muslim voters towards her.
As per the political experts, Jadhav can give tough fight to UBT candidate Sawant because she belongs to Marathi community and she has also hold over the minority voters of South Mumbai. Moreover, her husband Yashwant Jadhav's work and public connection will also help her during campaign.
