Mumbai: The Shiv Sena has once again nominated MLA Yamini Jadhav, the wife of former BMC Standing Committee Chairman Yashwant Jadhav, for the Byculla constituency. She had won the seat in 2019 for the first time for her party. However, a defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha election looms uncertainty over his prospectus. In an interview, Jadhav talked about the issues in her constituency. Excerpts…
Q. What is the main issue you are addressing?
A. The most important concern in this area is finding affordable homes. The renovation of ancient and dilapidated structures is a major concern. There is also a need to rehabilitate slums located on central government territory, such as those owned by the Mumbai Port Authority (MPA) and the National Textile Corporation. Furthermore, both cessed and non-cessed buildings in South Mumbai require immediate reconstruction and restoration. I’ve also discussed the importance of having an office and providing amenities for coastal patrol. Furthermore, I would advocate for a single-window system to simplify the process of getting approvals and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the MPA for repair work on structures on their property, as well as providing necessary amenities. Cluster redevelopment also presents a hurdle.
Q. You have also been addressing issues related to women. What is the new demand?
A. I have demanded that the government give women at least 10 biodegradable sanitary pads each month for Re 1 each. Policewomen are currently allowed to wear sarees only after 16 weeks of pregnancy. I have insisted that they be permitted to wear a saree uniform from the start of their pregnancy, as they are unable to wear heavy belts or trousers.
Q. The issue of giving the Richardson and Cruddas land to JJ Hospital is also pending
A. Previously, no MLA took up this subject, hence it has been pending. I will prioritise this issue. Once this site is transferred, we intend to establish a super-specialty facility as an extension of JJ Hospital. We aim to establish an oncology centre here, as well as modern housing for JJ Hospital doctors and other workers. I’ve also been advocating for a sports complex on a portion of the Mafatlal Mill site in Byculla. I’m also aiming to open a drug addiction and rehabilitation clinic at JJ Hospital.
Q. How are you going to counter the sympathy wave for Shiv Sena (UBT)?
A. When an incident occurs, people are sympathetic at first, but then they move on. So, the sympathy has subsided. I am going to the people with my work and performance, as well as that of the Shinde and Modi governments. I am merely a technical candidate, and PM Narendra Modi is the real face of the elections.
Q. This time the minority vote is said to be swinging to the MVA.
A. This is not accurate. I’ve worked extensively for Byculla’s minority community. Even the Shinde government has implemented several new policies for the minority population and allocated funding to them through various schemes that are influencing their lives.
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