Mumbai: Constituency Gyan
Areas: Dahisar, Borivli, Kandivli (E), Magathane, Charkop and Malad (W). Earlier, the constituency had areas like Palghar, Vasai-Virar, Borivli, Kandivli, Malad and Goregaon
History: While some parts of the constituency are now included in the Mumbai North West constituency,  others are part of the newly-formed Palghar constituency
Biggies: At present, actor Govinda represents the constituency in the Lok Sabha. Govinda won by a huge margin against BJP minister Ram Naik who won the elections five times. Ever since he was defeated, Naik has been diligently tackling local issues like train services. Govinda's role as a parliamentarian has been widely criticised and most see his political performance as the worst. This time, the actor has not filed an application for a ticket with the Congress. The delimitation works for Naik as the Vasai-Virar and Palghar assembly segments, where controversial MLA Hitendra Thakur held sway, are now part of the Palghar Lok Sabha constituency. These segments gave Govinda a lead over Naik in the last elections. Most of the assembly constituencies, including Borivli, are represented by MLAs of the saffron alliance that will be an advantage for Naik. While the BJP will, in all likelihood, nominate Ram Naik, the Congress is yet to decide on its candidate. Names of Raj Babbar, Shah Rukh Khan and former MLA Chandrakant Ghosaliya are doing the rounds for the Congress ticket.
Size of voter base: 16,07, 735
Who: Gujaratis and Maharashtrians dominate the constituency. North Indians also have a sizeable presence.
Strengths: On the face of it, Naik seems to have an upper hand, as the saffron alliance has a considerable hold in the constituency. Areas like Magathane and Charkop are dominated by Maharashtrians whereas the Borivili, Malad and Kandivli areas are dominated by Gujaratis. The Congress, as of now, has no candidate who can match up to Naik. Everything depends on the Congress candidate and the role of the MNS in eating into the Marathi votes
Tea-leaf reading: It may be advantage BJP
- Sanjeev Devasia
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