Diva takes centre stage in polls

Diva, once the sleepy village on the outskirts of Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), has suddenly become centre of frantic political activities. Thanks to the fresh ward delimitation, Diva will elect as many as 11 corporators in the forthcoming civic polls, propelling it to centre stage in the TMC politics.

In the 130-member TMC, Diva did not hold much influence as it has only four corporators. However, after delimitation, the number of wards has increased significantly due to growing population, and parties have been compelled to concentrate on this once neglected area. The number of corporators from Diva has increased almost three times – from four to 11.

Keeping this in mind, political activities in Diva have suddenly gained momentum. Two MNS corporators from Diva — Shailesh Patil and Sunita Munde — have already switched their loyalty to Shiv Sena. The BJP few days back also inducted several activists of Sena and MNS into its fold.

According to political commentators, the main fight in Diva will be between Sena and BJP. The MNS, which was strong in last polls, has weakened considerably allowing the BJP to spread its wings in Diva.

Mayor Sanjay More agreed that Diva holds a special significance in the forthcoming TMC polls due to the increased number of corporators. “The population in Diva has increased manifold in last few years and the amenities need to be strengthened to cater to the rising number of people. There is a need of systematic planning for the development of Diva, which is besotted by illegal constructions and sewerage problems,” he told The Asian Age.

The forthcoming TMC polls will be held on the new panel format for each of the wards. Each of the new wards will have a bigger area comprising of around 56,000 people and will have four corporators representing the same. However, few wards will have only three seats depending on the population density in that ward. During the election, voters will have to exercise their vote four times and will be given different ballot sheets.