Will Mumbai Congress' Eknath Gaikwad defeat his political rival Rahul Shewale this elections?

The Lok Sabha elections 2014 witnessed the downfall of Congress Party from the power which also consisted of their favourable constituency of South-Central Mumbai. In the 2014 elections, Congress candidate from the constituency, Eknath Gaikwad was defeated by his political rival Shiv Sena candidate, Rahul Shewale. Prior to this, Gaikwad had managed to gain majority over the South-Central Mumbai constituency in 2004 after defeating Shewale.

After that Gaikwad defeated Sena’s Suresh Gambhir in 2009. However, despite the defeat in 2014 for Congress, this year, it seems that both the candidates from the constituency will ensure an equal battle as the Modi wave’s effect has been washed off.

Background of the Constituency

Keeping aside two-three exceptions, the Congress party has been dominant at the South-Central Mumbai seat. It is possible that Shiv Sena’s alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) can help them gain some extra votes but despite winning last time (2014), Sena will witness a tough competition from Congress and there can be a possible transfer of power.

A major reason behind this is Dharavi being Gaikwad’s stronghold since he has been elected thrice for Vidhan Sabha from Dharavi. In 2004, he had attained a victory from the constituency against former Chief Minister Manohar Joshi. This led to him being recognised as one of the influential leaders in the party but it was in 2009 when he defeated Suresh Gambhir by 75,000 votes which led to him being recognised by Sonia Gandhi.

Controversy

More than 80 per cent of the leaders in the Congress party is against Gaikwad’s nomination this year. Former Mumbai Congress President, Sanjay Nirupam had earlier accused him of receiving votes by buying people out.

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Congress has again shown trust in Eknath Gaikwad by fielding him from Mumbai South-Central Lok Sabha constituency. Gaikwad is contesting against Shiv Sena candidate, and incumbent MP, Rahul Shewale. However, with internal conflict and opposition against the Congress leader, the chances of Gaikwad winning the Lok Sabha poll can be diminishing.