Maharashtra polls: As state capital region, speaker hopes to give Colaba 'attention it deserves'

Rahul Narwekar, the BJP MLA from Colaba, is seeking re-election, emphasizing his accomplishments as both MLA and Speaker. He highlights his accessibility, successful track record, and plans for Colaba's future, including securing 'state capital region' status. MUMBAI: Speaker Rahul Narwekar, the presiding officer of the assembly, dons the role of an umeedwar (candidate) as he travels from his official residence in Malabar Hill and enters the slum enclave of Shiv Shakti Nagar in Colaba constituency.

Narwekar, who is the sitting BJP MLA, is welcomed by dozens of people, mostly women, who garland him and raise slogans, asking him to lead as he enters the narrow bylanes on foot. His rath is kept on standby at the slum pocket's entrance. He is banking on his performance as MLA and speaker, as well as his accessibility, track record and the promise of getting Colaba the 'state capital region' status.

He says the latter will bring more funds, govt resources and administrative machinery, boost infrastructure, lead to better planning, and give Colaba the attention it deserves. One of the most economically and demographically diverse seats, Colaba is home to the super-rich, some big slum enclaves and fishing colonies. Redevelopment of slums, old and dilapidated buildings, especially on Mumbai Port Authority land and those affected by the coastal regulation zone (CRZ) is an issue affecting large parts.

Lack of parking spaces, traffic congestion and open spaces, and the problem of low wa.