January 12, 2026: With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections approaching, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) has become the defining issue shaping political alignments across the locality. Despite a crowded field of candidates from multiple parties, residents say the contest has effectively narrowed to a single question: support the redevelopment plan or back the Opposition as a safeguard against displacement.
Spanning wards 183 to 189, Dharavi has turned into one of the most closely fought zones in the civic polls. Ward 188 alone has 20 candidates contesting. Campaign activity is visible throughout the neighbourhood, with party offices, temporary stages and vehicles broadcasting promises lining the narrow lanes. As evening sets in, small groups from rival parties fan out, addressing residents and raising slogans.
Despite the presence of parties such as the Aam Aadmi Party, BSP, SP and AIMIM, voters see the battle as one dominated by major political players. “Redevelopment will push us out of Dharavi, so we do not want it. We are with the Congress,” said a woman accompanying AAP workers. Electoral match-ups vary across wards, including Sena versus Sena contests, Sena (UBT) against BJP, and Shinde Sena versus MNS.
Opposition parties differ in the intensity of their criticism of the DRP, though many acknowledge redevelopment in some form is inevitable. “The DRP will not give homes to the people of Dharavi in Dharavi, and that is what we are against,” said Vasant Nakashe, former Shiv Sena corporator. “We will stop that from happening… and ensure everyone gets 500 sq ft homes here.”
Congress candidates have highlighted past civic works, while warning voters of displacement risks. “If someone from Shinde’s party is elected from here, be warned that the roof over our heads will be gone,” said a Congress worker campaigning in ward 188.
The Mahayuti alliance has rejected these claims. “The Opposition parties are playing on the fears of displacement of the people here to garner votes,” said Praveen Jain, backing the Shiv Sena candidate. BJP workers argue redevelopment is overdue, citing persistent civic issues.
However, sections such as the kumbhars remain unconvinced. “This government is a thief and will not give us anything,” said potter Vinod Chauhan, reflecting lingering uncertainty among those whose commercial futures remain unresolved.
