A three-time winner, Azmi faces stiff anti-incumbency

MANKHURD-SHIVAJI NAGAR | Crime and drug issues, Deonar dumping ground, and a possible challenge from another MLA could all scuttle the SP legislator's bid

- Manoj Ramakrishnan

The Samajwadi Party's Abu Asim Azmi has represented Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar constituency (No 171) for three terms, increasing his votes substantially between 2014 and 2019. Will he be able to grab a fourth when Maharashtra elects a new assembly later this year?

There are indications that the anti-incumbency sentiments against Azmi could make another win a challenge. The constituency is fighting what residents say is a major crime and drug-addiction wave. The contentious issue of the Deonar municipal dumping ground - Mumbai's largest - is yet to be resolved. Also, if the MLA from the neighbouring Anushakti Nagar (No 172) constituency, Nawab Malik from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, decides to contest from the seat, as reports have said, Azmi will face a tough challenge in 2024. Nearly 60% of Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar's electorate is Muslim and the splitting of the community's votes between two sitting MLAs could affect Azmi's hopes for a fourth term.