Jyoti Gaikwad, an Ayurvedic doctor and first-time Congress candidate, is entering the political arena by contesting from Dharavi, the renowned Mumbai slum area, in Maharashtra’s assembly elections. Despite her limited political experience, Gaikwad’s family has a deep political legacy in Dharavi: her late father, Eknath Gaikwad, served as both an MP and an MLA from the area, and her sister, Varsha Gaikwad, is currently the Mumbai Congress chief and a former four-term MLA who now represents the constituency as an MP.
Gaikwad’s campaign highlights a pressing local concern—the Adani-led Dharavi Redevelopment Project. She argues that the project prioritizes commercial interests over residents’ welfare, suggesting it aims to transform Dharavi into “BKC 2” (a high-profile commercial hub similar to the Bandra-Kurla Complex) and risks displacing thousands of residents. She questions the allocation of 1,500 acres for the project, a figure she claims far exceeds Dharavi’s actual area of about 600 acres.
Gaikwad raises concerns over the housing eligibility criteria under the project, explaining that eligible residents would receive in-situ housing along a leased railway land, while ineligible residents could be relocated to less desirable locations such as salt pans or near the Deonar dumping ground. She further alleges that government restrictions on rental housing limit citizens’ ability to protest, as dissent could result in losing eligibility for rehousing.
Responding to criticisms of dynastic politics, Gaikwad contends that accusations of nepotism are unfairly leveled at families in politics, compared to other professions. She emphasizes her candidacy’s focus on the redevelopment issue, stating that she felt compelled to enter the election to ensure Dharavi residents’ interests are protected. Addressing questions about her residence outside Dharavi, she points to her family’s decades-long work in the area and her active role in community initiatives, such as vaccination drives during the pandemic.
Regarding the redevelopment project, Gaikwad calls for either scrapping the Adani tender or amending it to prioritize local residents’ needs, supporting a sector-based approach that would allow for gradual, inclusive development and rehousing of Dharavi’s homes and businesses.
