Mid-Day’s Know Your Ward Series | BMC elections 2026: Inside Mumbai’s D ward

Girgaon residents enjoy an evening of shopping as a breeze blows through the chawl-lined Kandewadi area. In the backdrop, the spectre of densely packed high-rises looms over the future of the historic precinct. File Pic/Shadab Khan

As mid-day continues with its ‘Know Your Wards' series, we now focus on the ‘C' administrative ward, which borders the Arabian Sea, forming a part of Mumbai's western coastline.

The D ward, is considered a VIP ward in Mumbai being home to the governor of Maharashtra's residence Raj Bhavan, and the official residences of the chief minister, deputy chief minister, and various leaders of the Maharashtra legislature. The ward is also home to the iconic Hanging Gardens in Malabar Hill, and yet another iconic open space fondly associated with India's freedom struggle - the August Kranti Maidan, from where Mahatma Gandhi kick-started the Quit India Movement in 1942.

Administrative ward: D ward

In Photos: Thackeray family reunites ahead of BMC elections 2026

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Areas under ward: Tardeo, Gowalia Tank, Mahalaxmi Temple, Malabar Hill, Raj Bhavan, Girgaum

Population of ward: 346866| Gross Density of ward: 418

Characteristics by: A 'VIP' ward with residences of the governor, chief minister and other ministers; has a few open spaces

Main issues:

Chronic waterlogging spot: 01 at Nana Chowk

Vulnerable populations:

Settlements: 11 due to seaside, 15 landslide-prone locations due to Malabar Hills

Population affected: 8,193

Open spaces: 25, including Hanging Garden, Amarson Garden, Kamla Nehru Park, August Kranti Maidan, Priya Darshani Park, Tata Garden, Rock Garden (Nepean Sea Road), Banganga Park (near Banganga Tank)

Road concreting status:
Partially completed: 7
Completed: 14
Not started: 58

Electoral Ward 214 in the D Ward:

214: Mahalaxmi Mandir, Jaslok Hospital, Tardeo, Gowalia Tank, Janta Nagar

Demographic details

Total population: 60,236
SC population: 1,839 (3%)
ST population: 217 (-)

Ward reservation
2017 - Open
2025 - Open

Voter details
Tentative voters (2025): 53,258
Male: 27,322
Female: 25,933
Others: 3

Political details
Previous Municipal Councillor (2012): Jyotsna Mehta (BJP)
Municipal Councillor's name (2017): Sarita Patil (BJP)

Winning margin: 52%
Votes received: 13,859
Total votes cast: 26,436

Electoral Ward 215 in the D Ward:

215: Willingdon Sports Club, R.T.O. Chikalwadi, Bhatia Hospital, Tulsiwadi, Bane Compound, Talmiki Wadi

Demographic details

Total population: 53,084
SC population: 8,979 (17%)
ST population: 382 (1%)

Ward reservation
2017 - Women
2025 - SC

Voter details
Tentative voters (2025): 47,242
Male: 23,809
Female: 23,430
Others: 3

Political details
Previous Municipal Councillor (2012): Surendra Bagalkar
Municipal Councillor's name (2017): Arundhati Dudhwadkar (Shiv Sena)

Winning margin: 42%
Votes received: 10,215
Total votes cast: 24,251

Electoral Ward 216 in the D Ward:

216: B.I.T. Chawl, Navjeevan Society, Dalal Estate

Demographic details

Total population: 59,265
SC population: 3,628 (6%)
ST population: 77 (-)

Ward reservation
2017 - OBC
2025 - OBC Women

Voter details
Tentative voters (2025): 69,231
Male: 45,304
Female: 23,925
Others: 2

Political details
Previous Municipal Councillor (2012): Chogalal Doshi (Congress)
Municipal Councillor's name (2017): Rajendra Dattatray Narwankar (Congress)

Winning margin: 40%
Votes received: 8,541
Total votes cast: 21,325

Electoral Ward 217 in the D Ward:

217: August Kranti Maidan, Gavdevi, Girgaum Chowpaty, Papanas Wadi, Shapur Baug

Demographic details

Total population: 57,385
SC population: 1,231 (2%)
ST population: 149 (-)

Ward reservation
2017 - OBC Women
2025 - Open

Voter details
Tentative voters (2025): 52,116
Male: 27,075
Female: 25,037
Others: 4

Political details
Previous Municipal Councillor (2012): Yugandhara Sakekar
Municipal Councillor's name (2017): Minal Patel (BJP)

Winning margin: 54%
Votes received: 13,623
Total votes cast: 25,039

Electoral Ward 218 in the D Ward:

218: Sikka Nagar, Mangal Wadi, Kranti Nagar, Gaiwadi, Opera House, Mafatlal Swimming Pool

Demographic details

Total population: 56,993
SC population: 419 (1%)
ST population: 447 (1%)

Ward reservation
2017 - OBC Women
2025 - Women

Voter details
Tentative voters (2025): 55,109
Male: 28,569
Female: 26,540
Others: 0

Political details
Previous Municipal Councillor (2012): Sampat Thakur (Shiv Sena)
Municipal Councillor's name (2017): Anuradha Potdar (BJP)

Winning margin: 54%
Votes received: 15,289
Total votes cast: 28,565

Electoral Ward 219 in the D Ward:

219: Kamala Nehru Park, Raj Bhavan, Teen Batti, Malabar Hill, Simla Nagar, Hyderabad Estate

Demographic details

Total population: 59,903
SC population: 748 (1%)
ST population: 357 (1%)

Ward reservation
2017 - Women
2025 - OBC

Voter details
Tentative voters (2025): 53,831
Male: 28,245
Female: 25,586
Others: 0

Political details
Previous Municipal Councillor (2012): Veena Jain
Municipal Councillor's name (2017): Jyotsna Mehta (BJP)

Winning margin: 60%
Votes received: 15,361
Total votes cast: 25,569