Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 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 54.85 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 polls.

As Mumbai gears up for the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, all eyes are on Mumbai South, one of the city's 'high profile' seats with Mumbai's top areas in its constituency.

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Mumbai 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 region.

The 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 vibrancy.

The constituency stretches over the busy streets of South Mumbai and is a home to a diverse range of communities, cultures, and socioeconomic origins.

Also Read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: Exploring the Mumbai North constituency

Mumbai South captures the spirit and essence of India's financial hub, from the thriving markets of Colaba, high-rise commercial and residential buildings in Worli to the affluent areas of Malabar Hill and Pedder Road.

The 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 years.

The Shiv Sena's Arvind Sawant, a senior leader of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), has ruled the constituency since 2014 when the party was undivided.

The intricate socio-political 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 BJP's victory in 1999 to the Congress's comeback in 2004 and ensuing swings. The seat had witnessed Arvind Sawant's huge victory in 2019 with 52.60 per cent of the vote share to the candidate.

Over the years, Mumbai South has established itself as a 'high-profile' 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 country.

Mumbai South has a long history with powerful lawmakers. Numerous well-known figures have represented the seat, from Sadashiv Kanoji Patil's groundbreaking work to Murli Deora's powerful decisions. Murli Deora's son Milind Deora who recently quit the Congress and joined the Shiv Sena-led by CM Shinde carried on the family tradition by winning two terms in a row from 2004 until 2014.

However, experts suggest that the political landscape has changed after Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde's 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 say.

The Lok Sabha elections 2024 in Maharashtra are being held in five phases. Mumbai and its adjoining areas will vote on May 20.

The 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 4.

The 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.