Mumbai: When the BMC House convenes after nearly four years, over 55% of its 227 corporators will be first-timers. Many are relatives of former corporators.Forty-three of BJP’s 89 corporators and 38 of Shiv Sena (UBT)’s 65—the second largest party—are debutants.
Hetal Gala Morvekar, who is among BJP’s new entrants, doesn’t see inexperience as an impediment. “I have been socially and politically active and have been working with MLA Mihir Kotecha. Besides, we have a team on ground and party leaders, too, will guide us through the process.” She said she has met the BMC team in her ward and has started working on problems related to cleanliness, housekeeping, sewerage and toilets. “As elections happened after a long time, people have a lot of expectations. Those living in slums expect immediate action on the ground. I will learn some of the aspects of civic functioning on the job.” Political leaders, like former corporator Bhalchandra Shirsat from BJP, said they expect the first-timers to settle into their roles within six months. Third-time corporator and Congress group leader Ashraf Azmi said what the greenhorns lack in experience, they can make up for in talent. “They are smart, educated and aware. Besides, they are all connected to politics in one way or the other and are supported by senior corporators. The younger generation is aware of what role a corporator plays, especially about issues such as civic infrastructure, cleanliness, sanitation and traffic congestion. They will ensure that the civic administration is made answerable. Many of them will also learn about the issues when they are debated in the House,” he said. Some political observers, however, said experienced hands help the House function smoothly—the governing side ensuring better administration and management and those in the opposition holding the administration and the governing front accountable. Azmi said the governing front will face a strong opposition and it will not be able to get away with arbitrary action. Besides, the administration will not be able to dodge the newly elected representatives, and social media too will play a role in this, he said. Dr Aditi Khursange, a first-timer who also bears the burden of carrying on the family’s legacy—her parents are former corporators—said she’s already familiar with how BMC functions but acknowledged that developing ties with ward-level civic staff will take little time. Many young corporators are hopeful that party workers and activists on the ground will assist them with the learning process. “I don’t see inexperience as a negative attribute. There is a mismatch among what the people need, what the BMC administration believes they need, and what is eventually delivered. This gap will be reduced,” said Khursange.
