Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Kalyan’s issues ignored despite urbanisation

A dilapidated five-storey building in Mumbra that collapsed. Pic/Sameer Markande

The Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency is set to witness a significant political battle in the 2024 general elections. Traditionally a Shiv Sena stronghold, internal splits have created a Sena vs Sena scenario. Dr Shrikant Shinde, the incumbent MP from the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and son of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is competing against Vaishali Darekar-Rane from the Shiv Sena (UBT).

This election is not just between the two candidates in the fray but a prestige battle between Eknath Shinde and UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, setting the stage for a high-pitched political drama.

An Illegal building at Kisan Nagar in Thane West. Pic/Sameer Markande

Shrikant, a two-time MP, is aiming for his third term. He faces opposition from within the alliance and from Vaishali Darekar-Rane, who previously contested the Lok Sabha elections as an MNS candidate, securing 1.02 lakh votes. The Mahayuti alliance has a strong hold on this constituency, though Jitendra Awhad from the NCP (SP) is the only MLA from the MVA in this area.

Mahayuti hold

Five out of the six Assembly segments belong to the Mahayuti, while MNS's Pramod Patil is MLA of the Kalyan Rural Assembly constituency. MNS is supporting Mahayuti. Party chief Raj Thackeray held a rally for Shrikant. Mumbra Kalwa MLA Jitendra Awhad belongs to the NCP (SP). Balaji Kinikar, Ambernath MLA, is of Shiv Sena. Meanwhile, Ulashnagar MLA Kumar Ailani, Ganpat Gaikwad (Kalyan East), and Ravindra Chavan (Dombivli) belong to the BJP. As the BJP held command in the constituency, the party workers and leaders were demanding the constituency for the party. But Shrikant successfully gained this constituency in Mahayuti. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced him as a candidate and told BJP party workers and leaders to cooperate with him but there is still some dissatisfaction among party workers.

Key issues

Major issues in the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency include illegal and dilapidated buildings, internal city transport, water supply, and drug mafia activities in certain areas. The constituency faces significant challenges with illegal constructions and ageing, unsafe buildings, which pose safety hazards to residents. Inefficient and inadequate internal city transportation remains a major concern, affecting daily commutes and connectivity within the area.

Ambernath: In the last two decades, urbanisation and the growing number of buildings have resulted in problems like a lack of parking space, hawkers, drinking water supply issues and inadequate public transport. There is even the problem of load shedding.

Ulhasnagar: As the city has grown over the last 70 years, its struggle for basic needs like public transport and water supply continues. Also, there are major issues like encroachment and public health. Solid waste management is another concern.

Kalyan East: Although parts of the segment are planned, these were developed by a private construction company. In recent years, there has been a surge in illegal settlements in the area. This segment faces problems with water supply, public transport and traffic congestion. Locals of Kalyan told mid-day that there is also the issue of prostitution.

Dombivli: The area is known for its population of white-collar workers, predominantly Brahmin, Marathi, Jain, and South Indian citizens. There are issues such as inadequate drinking water supply, poor road conditions and encroachment.

Kalyan Rural: This suburb of Kalyan has transitioned to a semi-urban area over the past decade. The population is rising rapidly, but infrastructure development has not kept pace. This area faces issues with water supply and public transport. Many residents rely on local train services, but the railway stations are far away.
Mumbra Kalwa: Thane city, part of the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency, is represented by MVA MLA Jitendra Awhad. This segment faces significant issues such as illegal construction, inadequate sanitation, drinking water shortages, and traffic congestion.

Voters

In the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency, the Kalwa-Mumbra Assembly constituency has a large number of Muslim voters, followed by Marathi-speaking voters, and then North Indians. In Kalyan Rural, Marathi voters are predominant, with North Indians as a significant minority. Kalyan East also has a mix of Marathi and North Indian voters. Dombivli includes Brahmin, Marathi, Gujarati, Jain, Marwari, Konkani, and South Indian voters. In Ulhasnagar, the Sindhi community is a major factor, while Ambernath has a diverse mix of Marathi, Muslim, and South Indian voters.