What are Gen Z’s priorities and expectations from Mumbai's leaders?

As the city prepares for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC Election on January 15 a new and increasingly vocal constituency is stepping into the civic spotlight Gen Z Young voters many casting their ballots for the first time are making it clear that they want tangible improvements in everyday urban life and not political theatricsFor 21yearold Arts graduate Shreyas Patil civic priorities are straightforward but often overlookedShreyas Patil 21yearold Arts graduate Pic Special ArrangementldquoInstead of focusing on minor issues such as detaining college students who smoke BMC officials should address real problems like repairing roads and maintaining public servicesrdquo he saysldquoIt feels like the system is more interested in earning revenue from students rather than looking out for the welfare of Mumbaikarsrdquo added PatilRecalling his college days in Wadala he points to a glaring example of misplaced prioritiesldquoThere was a huge pile of garbage near our college that attracted flies and insects The entire area had a foul stenchrdquo he says adding ldquoThe BMC and Mumbai Police would visit the area mdash not to clean it up or to make it safer for students but to nab collegegoers who were smoking They didnrsquot care about the garbage or the health risks it posedrdquoBMC Election 2026 Disconnect apprehension among some youngstersNot all young voters however feel confident about the power of their voteA 22yearold student from KEM College in Mumbai candidly admits ldquoHow does it even matter if we vote or notrdquoThe remark reflects a growing sense of disconnect among sections of the youth underlining the need for stronger civic awareness and engagement ahead of the pollsAsadullah Chaus a 20yearold PR agency executive echoes similar scepticism ldquoGen Z often feels acknowledged only during electionsrdquo he tells middaycomAsadullah Chaus a 20yearold PR agency executive Pic Special ArrangementldquoWhen young people raise real issues or participate in protests political systems are largely absent But during elections the same youth are mobilised through money optics and temporary engagement Many socalled ground workers today are Gen Z not always driven by belief but by influence and incentives This has led to deep scepticism toward performative politics rather than a lack of political awarenessrdquo he addsFor others leadership and inclusivity matter deeply Candidates must move beyond political narratives say Mumbairsquos firsttime votersMihir Pawar 22 believes the new BMC Mayor should serve as a role model for young peopleMihir Pawar 22 Pic Special ArrangementldquoThe mayor should promote civic sense and unity not divide people based on religion or languagerdquo he saysDespite doubts among some many Gen Z voters see the elections as an opportunity to shape Mumbairsquos future 21yearold graduate student Poorva Gaikwad hopes that candidates will move beyond political narratives ldquoI expect them to focus on real civic issues like roads cleanliness water supply and public transport As a young voter I want people to choose representatives based on performance and accountability leading to better governance and a more liveable Mumbairdquo she says21yearold graduate student Poorva Gaikwad Pic Special ArrangementVaishnavi Patkar a 21yearold media student views the BMC polls as a chance for meaningful groundlevel change ldquoGen Z wants transparent governance better roads effective waste management flood control and safe public transportrdquo explains the mass media graduateVaishnavi Patkar a 21yearold media student Pic Special ArrangementldquoMore than promises we want accountability digitalfirst solutions and leaders who actually listen Civic politics should focus on everyday urban issues and longterm sustainability not political narrativesrdquo added PatkarBMC Election 2026 Young Mumbaikars demand transparencyAdding another dimension Samiksha Borade a 22yearold media student stresses the importance of opportunity alongside infrastructure ldquoWe want more employment options skill development and support for entrepreneurship At the civic level we expect cleaner roads proper waste management and transparent governance A wellfunctioning city directly contributes to a stronger economy and a better quality of liferdquo said BoradeSamiksha Borade a 22yearold media student Pic Special ArrangementTaken together these voices signal a clear generational shift in civic prioritiesWhile traditional election debates often revolve around party loyalties and rhetoric Gen Z is focused on outcomes how effectively leaders manage the cityrsquos most pressing challengesFloodprone streets overcrowded public transport erratic water supply and inefficient waste management are daily realities that young voters want addressed Digital transparency and citizen participation are equally importantMany young Mumbaikars want civic issues handled openly with accessible platforms that allow residents to engage directly with decisionmakers In short they are looking for leaders who donrsquot just promise change but deliver itThe BMC Election 2026 is more than a routine civic exercise itrsquos a test of whether Mumbairsquos youth feel seen and heard For Gen Z the question is simple will the cityrsquos leaders act on their priorities and improve everyday life For many young voters this election is a chance to finally make their vote count