A newly-formed citizens’ organisation called “Mumbai Nagrik Manch” has declared that it will compete with established political parties in the city by contesting upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corpor
A newly-formed citizens’ organisation called “Mumbai Nagrik Manch” has declared that it will compete with established political parties in the city by contesting upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections 2017, from all 227 electoral wards. The group was formed recently specially to contest the upcoming BMC elections. Prominent citizens such as Justice Suresh and leader of the mill workers’ association, Datta Iswalkar, have joined the organisation. Shakil Ahmed, who heads the organisation, claimed that major citizens’ groups are supporting the Nagrik Manch and it will win maximum seats this term.
Mr Ahmed said, “Nagrik Manch is unlike other parties that peg their agenda on caste, religion and language and divide their voter base. Our only agenda is development of Mumbai, while protecting the rights of citizens”. The manch has been formed with the aim of giving citizens the option of ousting a government they are unhappy with by giving alternate candidates to vote for. Mumbai Nagrik Manch claims political parties have failed to bridge the gap between administrative capabilities and public demand.
However, like other parties, Mumbai Nagrik Manch’s manifesto, too, promises better health and education facilities and a democratic model of governance, ensuring that all citizens have easy access to affordable electricity and clean drinking water.
