Elections 2019: India's economic hub in high stakes election war

Stretching from the imposing skyrises of Colaba and Malabar Hill to the fishermens colonies in Worli the prestigious VVIP Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency is the richest in the country making it a highstakes affair for the two main contestants Shiv Sena sitting MP Arvind G Sawant and rival Milind M Deora of the CongressDespite being wealthy the constituency is barely generous in exercising its franchise it was way back in 1967 when George Fernandes won on a single point agenda of providing sufficient water supply to all that 6742 per cent electorate votedAgain in 1991 the voting percentage plummeted to an abysmal 3865 giving credence to the belief that people in highrises remain indifferent to the political process But in 2014 the percentage went up to a modest 5248The population of Mumbai South is approximately 20 lakh and the voter strength is 1485846 including 15 per cent of some of the countrys richest a large 70 per cent dollop of middleclass and a sprinkling of 15 per cent eking out an existence in slums in what is one of the few fully urbanized constituencies of IndiaUnconcerned by the turnout figures Shiv Senas Sawant exudes is optimistic of winning againI am the voice of the masses and the classes I have been present whenever and wherever I was needed in the past five years Sawant told IANSOn his rival Deora he shot back Where was he for the past four years and nine months This is what commoners and business community ask me It is my work for all sections and my contacts with the masses that will decide the electionThough incommunicado despite repeated attempts by IANS the former Union Minister Deora has remained unflustered by the opposition barbsAfter all in a politicalcorporate coup of sorts last fortnight he secured the open support of key players from India Inc sending panic waves in the ruling Bharatiya Janata PartySena combineRanked as one of the most cosmopolitan constituencies Mumbai South is beset with many problems that have remained unresolved over the yearsThere are hundreds of old buildings ancient sewage lines house gullies traffic congestion and slum pockets in Darukhana BPT Colaba and Worli which are of great concern Waris Pathan All India MajliseIttehadul Muslimeens sole Mumbai MLA told IANSThough there is the ambitious Coastal Road project coming up Patyan says a lot will depend on its implementation or it will be disastrous for the entire cityBesides there is the gnawing problem of security in the region which has witnessed two of the worst terror strikes in the country the 1993 serial bomb blasts and the 2008 terror strikesNot surprising since this constituency is home to the countrys most affluent business districts which contribute hugely to the national exchequer some of the poshest residential complexes Indian and foreign banks and national and international firms are headquartered hereThere are also offices of global corporates airlines embassies luxury hotels swanky restaurants and pubs global tourist attractions open shopping plazas malls and multiplexes reputed schools colleges an array of heritage buildings the official residences of Maharashtra Governor Chief Minister the Chief Justice of Bombay High Court and other judges the Legislature and the MantralayaCatch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get the latest updates