In a dazzling display of civic duty, celebrities Nana Patekar, Sanya Malhotra, and Twinkle Khanna queued up with common Mumbaikars to vote in the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. This mega-event, covering Mumbai’s 24 administrative wards, promises to redefine local governance amid intense political rivalries.
The day kicked off with Nana Patekar making a beeline for the Andheri polling center. The ‘Krantiveer’ star, no stranger to public causes, motivated crowds by saying, ‘Vote for progress, not promises.’ His appeal resonated in a city grappling with pothole-ridden streets and erratic water supply, issues central to the campaign narrative.
Sanya Malhotra, the ‘Dangal’ sensation, brought youthful energy to Juhu. Smiling broadly after inking her finger, she addressed the media: ‘Youngsters must participate; BMC decides our environment and health.’ Her words echoed the concerns of over 2 million first-time voters eyeing cleaner beaches and better public transport.
Not to be outdone, Twinkle Khanna glided into a Santa Cruz booth, exuding elegance. The ‘Mrs Funnybones’ author stressed sustainable development. ‘Our votes build the Mumbai we deserve—green, safe, efficient,’ she noted, amid reports of 200 companies deploying over 50,000 personnel for seamless polling.
These elections mark a pivotal showdown between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray’s Shiv Sena groups, with Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde’s allies pushing hard. Early trends show brisk voting in slums and high-rises alike, fueled by door-to-door drives and star campaigns. With BMC’s vast powers over drainage, health, and roads, today’s choices will impact billions in revenue allocation.
As the sun sets on this electoral spectacle, the celebrity votes symbolize a broader call to action. Will Mumbai embrace change? The ballot boxes hold the answer, setting the stage for a new era in urban administration.
