With an eye on the upcoming BMC elections, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is gearing up with a focused strategy to engage women voters, who have emerged as a decisive force in recent polls.
According to a statement released by the Shiv Sena, during the state assembly elections held last year, women in Mumbai recorded a higher voter turnout than men across all 24 assembly constituencies. Women accounted for 55.92 per cent of votes cast, surpassing men’s 55.07 per cent, marking a significant shift in electoral participation.
“To increase women’s participation in the upcoming municipal elections, the party’s Mahila Aghadi (Women’s Front) has been organising various initiatives,” the party said.
A key initiative is the Mahamangala Gaur competition, which offers a platform for women to showcase their talents. The event recently saw participation from over 6,000 women across Mumbai. The prize distribution ceremony took place on Monday, October 6, at Bharati Vidya Bhavan, attended by Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam.
According to the party, following the successful implementation of the Ladki Bahin Yojana launched by Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde during his tenure as Chief Minister, the party has continued to focus on empowering women economically, socially, and politically. The scheme’s popularity contributed to increased women’s voter turnout during the assembly elections, benefiting Mahayuti candidates. Of the 235 Mahayuti MLAs elected last year, 60 were from the Shiv Sena.
Shiv Sena Spokesperson and Deputy Leader Sheetal Mhatre highlighted the Mahila Aghadi’s role in strengthening the party’s base among women. “Women’s empowerment — economic, social, and political — has always been a core commitment of the Shiv Sena,” said Mhatre.
She expressed confidence that women voters will play a critical role in the upcoming municipal elections, posing a formidable challenge to the opposition.
“Our Women’s Front is ready for the upcoming elections. Women are the strength of the Shiv Sena. They have already shown their power during the assembly elections, and now, in the municipal polls, they will once again rise to the occasion and show the opposition their place,” she added.
In the Maha Mangalagaur Competition, the Kaladarpan Group from Magathane secured first prize, followed by Shivkanya Group from Byculla (second) and Chandrakor Group from Chembur (third). In the “Utsav Mumbaicha” public Ganesh festival decoration contest, Hanuman Seva Mandal bagged first place. Nikadwari Lane Public Mandal (Girgaoncha Raja) and Tardeo Police Colony Ganesh Mandal (Vardicha Raja) jointly won second place, while Kokan Mitra Mandal (Bhandup) and Shivaji Park (House) shared third.
A total of 450 Ganesh mandals participated in the “Utsav Mumbaicha” competition, with 50 receiving consolation prizes. The competitions were organised under the guidance of Shiv Sena leaders Meenatai Kamble, Sheetal Mhatre, and Sushant Shelar, reflecting the party’s commitment to promoting women’s participation and celebrating their cultural contributions.
