Go on, Mumbai, step out today and be counted!

Representation Pic

It is a no-brainer that this paper's edit page, with this paper's opinion is telling readers and all Mumbaikars one simple thing today - go and vote. Statistics show that the voter turnout in the first four phases of election, is only slightly higher than in 2019. In 2019, in four phases it was 62.5 per cent, in 2024, it is 62.9 per cent. The fifth phase begins today (Monday). It is unfortunate that the jump has been negligible. Maybe, we can increase it substantially in the fifth phase with Mumbai changing its reputation from under-par to robust participant.

There are certain hot-button issues for the city. Choosing candidates that will keep Mumbai first instead of seeing it as a cash cow. Much has been said about infra and development but keep an eye on someone who will prioritise environment, heritage and greens as much as that. All across we have activists who are ruing the headlong rush into infra, crying for a happy balance. We need visionary planning measures for this vulnerable coastal city when it comes to climate. The recent dust storm coming out of nowhere, catching Mumbai by surprise is a case in point about where we are headed and why we need to factor in environmental uncertainties and upheaval. We want public health as priority, an eye on upping education standards.

The big button here is women's safety. In a primarily commuting city this goes hand in hand with transport modernisation. Finally, candidates who do not mess with Mumbai's cosmopolitan fabric by stoking communal fires, and recognise that all the different coloured threads in the tapestry give it the brightest colour, should be candidates that know diversity is the beating heart and soul of Mumbai. Maximum City, maximise your voting percentage today.