Mumbai's dabbawalas to contest assembly polls?Top Stories

September 17, 2014 15:31
Mumbai's dabbawalas to contest assembly polls?},{Mumbai's dabbawalas to contest assembly polls?

(Image source from: Mumbai's dabbawalas to contest assembly polls?})

Mumbai's dabbawalas, famous for their distribution chain network and work management for lunch boxes, have plans to contest the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections scheduled for next month. The world renowned dabbawalas hope to contest polls on a Shiv Sena ticket.

The Mumbai Jevan Dabbe Vahatuk Mahamandal (MJDVM) is demanding one assembly seat for the group's representation. They even approached Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and it party spokesperson Sanjay Raut for the same. Recently the Shiv Sena released its vision document, where it proposes several schemes for the dabbawalas.

MJDVM spokesperson Subhash Talekar says they are not associated with any political party, which  is hampering the progress of the dabbawalas. Talekar cited the Mathadi Kaamgar and Girni Kaamgar, whose leader's are in power, helping them to solve their issues. But since the dabbawalas have no representation there is no one to solve their issues. So the group has decided to get into politics and resolve their problems .

Fully aware about the importance of support from a political party, Talekar says the MJDVM is willing to contest elections and send their representative to the assembly. But they cannot  contest polls alone. So the association approached the Shiv Sena chief to which it feels close as the party has helped them to resolve their problems.

Talekar, while speaking for the dabbawalas, said they would be happy even if they can contest one seat – preferably Byculla or Shivdi workers' constituency. He says majority of the dabbawalas have been been in the business for three generations. They have a strong chance of winning the seat as they are known across Mumbai. However, financially they are weak and want the Shiv Sena to support them, added Talekar.

Shiv Sena leaders have not made any official statement on the issue. One party leader said that any decision on the matter would be made by party chief Uddhav Thackeray.


(AW: Pratima Tigga)

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