BMC Election 2026: Borivli and Juhu residents vote after candidates address their concerns

After mid-day highlighted the intention of around 100 residents of Ruia Park Apartments in Juhu West to boycott the poll, several candidates reached out to them, assuring that they would solve their issues. According to the residents, their gate was being blocked by those living in the neighbouring Mora Gaon, while illegal hawkers were plying their trade at the same spot, where garbage was also being dumped. They further alleged that the BMC, Juhu police and traffic police had failed to resolve the matter.

(From left) Ruia Park Apartments residents Shubhra Swarup, Sunanda Swarup, Govind Swarup, and filmmaker Heeraz Marfatia

Shubhra Swarup, a screenwriter and producer who resides in Ruia Park, said, “My father, Govind Swarup, a retired IAS officer, took the lead and reminded society members that power was in their hands and how it is important for every citizen to vote. He spoke to candidates and expressed how Ruia Park residents expect action to be taken and hold them accountable, and, on that condition, will go ahead and exercise their right.”

Neeraja Jain, chairperson of the society, said, “The society’s WhatsApp group was exploding with opinions on the evening of January 14.  But most were convinced that residents should cast their vote, and we have done so. After mid-day’s report was published, all candidates from our area approached us and gave assurances that they would solve the issue."

(From left) Juhu residents Rajesh Jagani, Vaishali Dighe, and Sumitra Jagani

Rekha Bedi, an educator who lives in the society, said, “We cast our vote for development, and candidates should not break our trust.” Echoing these sentiments, and adding that Mora Gaon was not the problem, actor Manik Bedi said, “If civic authorities do their duty, everyone’s quality of life will improve.” 

The redevelopment of around 200 societies that come under a 500-yard radius of an Army wireless transmission station in Juhu has been restrained by the presence of the facility, prompting their residents to vow they would boycott the election until the restriction is lifted. Residents told mid-day on Thursday that the state government had come out with an incentive FSI policy for buildings affected by the transmitter station, which makes redevelopment viable.

“Renowned architects have evaluated the policy and concluded that it makes redevelopment feasible and viable. The calculations were presented to citizens raising this issue. However, till now, the government has not issued any GR in connection with the matter,” a resident said.

(From left) Manik and Rekha Bedi, who live in Ariana Residency

Another resident, Rajesh Jagani, said, “We cast our vote in the hope that we will get permission to redevelop our buildings. The candidates, MLA, and MP promised to solve the issue. They should not let us down after the election.” A Juhu resident, Vijay Vora, said, “We still demand that we should be allowed to redevelop our buildings. We voted after getting assurances from all candidates, the local MLA, and parliamentarian that our concerns would be addressed.” 

Ariana Residency

Around 1300 residents of Ariana Residency at Devipada in Borivali East, who spend R16,000 a day on water from tankers, had declared they would only vote for the candidate capable of solving their water shortage issue. Society member Akshay Parab said, “Candidates approached us after mid-day’s January 8 report and have a commitment that they would fix the problem after the results are announced on January 16. We appealed to all residents to vote for the person whom they feel will resolve the issue, as well as take up other issues in the ward, such as beautification and road widening.” Nitin Shendge, another resident, said,  “We also informed residents that if you feel like pressing NOTA, please do so, but do cast your vote, and everyone complied.”

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