Sharp drop in Sarvankar°s performance ahead of polls

PRAJA REPORT'S HEADS-UP | Persistent civic issues plaguing Mahim include redevelopment delays, traflic congestion, hawker menace, poor healthcare

- Rucha Kanolkar

With the state assembly elections set to be announced soon, candidates are gearing up to launch their campaigns, fine-tune their manifestos, and rekindle their promises. Several constituencies in Mumbai have witnessed a repetitive cycle of candidates, some serving for two or even three terms. In this political landscape, the Mahim Assembly seat, numbered 181, remains one of the most interesting battlegrounds.

Long considered a Shiv Sena stronghold, the seat has frequently witnessed intense three-way contests. The incumbent MLA, 70-year-old Sadanand Sarvankar (Eknath Shinde) faces increased scrutiny in the wake of a detailed audit revealing a significant decline in his performance over the past five years.

According to the latest report by Praja Foundation, which evaluates the performance of Mumbai's elected representatives, Sarvankar's track record in 2024 has plummeted across several key performance metrics. A veteran politician with over two decades of experience, his recent performance reflects an apparent disconnect from his constituents' needs.

Mahim, which forms a crucial part of the Mumbai South Central constituency, is said to be experiencing infrastructure deficits and housing problems, besides lapses in public service provisions. Sarvankar's involvement in addressing these challenges has visibly diminished. His reduced participation in legislative matters and the quality of questions he raises in the Assembly suggest a risk of alienation from the concerns of his voters.