The Mumbai South seat, understanding city's 'high-profile' constituency

The voting for Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections 2024 kickstarted on April 19 A voter turnout of 5485 per cent was recorded till 5 pm in the state where people in five Lok Sabha constituencies exercised their franchise in the first phase of the pollsAs Mumbai gears up for the Lok Sabha elections in 2024 all eyes are on Mumbai South one of the citys high profile seats with Mumbais top areas in its constituencyMumbai South is known for its diverse demographics and significant political influence the seat is set to play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the regionThe Mumbai South Lok Sabha seat is a prominent parliamentary constituency in Maharashtra The seat consists of six assembly segments with posh areas including Worli Malabar Hill Mumbadevi Colaba Sewri and Byculla The seat is said to be a representation of urban variety and political vibrancyThe constituency stretches over the busy streets of South Mumbai and is a home to a diverse range of communities cultures and socioeconomic originsAlso Read Lok Sabha elections 2024 Exploring the Mumbai North constituencyMumbai South captures the spirit and essence of Indias financial hub from the thriving markets of Colaba highrise commercial and residential buildings in Worli to the affluent areas of Malabar Hill and Pedder RoadThe political climate of Mumbai South has changed over the years For 10 terms the seat was held by the Congress with notable figures like Sadashiv Kanoji Patil and the Deora family making an impression However things have changed in the last few yearsThe Shiv Senas Arvind Sawant a senior leader of the Uddhav Thackerayled Shiv Sena UBT has ruled the constituency since 2014 when the party was undividedThe intricate sociopolitical structure of Mumbai South is reflected in its election history The constituency has served as a battlefield for major political parties in Maharashtra From the BJPs victory in 1999 to the Congresss comeback in 2004 and ensuing swings The seat had witnessed Arvind Sawants huge victory in 2019 with 5260 per cent of the vote share to the candidateOver the years Mumbai South has established itself as a highprofile seat due to its track record of electing outstanding leaders It has been represented over the years by prominent members of several political parties all of whom have had an impact on the growth and governance in the city and the countryMumbai South has a long history with powerful lawmakers Numerous wellknown figures have represented the seat from Sadashiv Kanoji Patils groundbreaking work to Murli Deoras powerful decisions Murli Deoras son Milind Deora who recently quit the Congress and joined the Shiv Senaled by CM Shinde carried on the family tradition by winning two terms in a row from 2004 until 2014However experts suggest that the political landscape has changed after Maharashtra CM Eknath Shindes rebellion that had also led to the fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi MVA government in the state The political battle at the Mumbai South Lok Sabha seat is now said to be tough for candidates and interesting to watch for they sayThe Lok Sabha elections 2024 in Maharashtra are being held in five phases Mumbai and its adjoining areas will vote on May 20The second phase of polls will be on April 26 followed by three more phases on May 7 May 13 and May 20 The counting of votes will be held on June 4The fifth and final phase of voting will take place on May 20 encompassing 13 constituencies including Washim Dindori Nashik Palghar Bhiwandi Welfare Thane Mumbai North Mumbai North West Mumbai North East Mumbai North Central Mumbai South Central and Mumbai South