Mumbai: High drama unfolded in Ward 90 on Friday afternoon after the results of the civic election showed Congress candidate and advocate Tulip Miranda edge past her nearest rival in Kalina by a wafer-thin margin—just seven votes—triggering an immediate demand for a recount.According to the initial count, Miranda polled 5,197 votes, while BJP candidate Jyoti Upadhyay secured 5,190 votes, a difference of just seven votes. Questioning the narrow margin, Upadhyay promptly sought a recount. Election officials accepted the plea and undertook a recounting of votes, following which the result was reaffirmed, confirming Miranda’s victory—once again by seven votes.Reacting to the dramatic finish, a visibly emotional Miranda said the victory reflected the faith of voters despite the challenges faced during the campaign. “Jo jeeta wahi sikandar. I have worked very hard in this area. It was not easy. My karyakartas and I even caught rivals distributing money. Despite all these difficulties, I have won because the people are with me,” she said, adding she would continue to work hard. Miranda’s husband, Brian Miranda, a former corporator who represented the ward between 2012 and 2017, played an active role in the campaign. He highlighted long-pending civic issues, particularly encroachments on footpaths and lack of open spaces. “Illegal hawking and parking have also become rampant. Many autos, taxis and khatara vehicles are parked haphazardly in residential areas.”
