13 May,2024 07:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish Vaktania
Manisha Khakhdiya filing her nomination
Manisha Khakhadiya, an independent candidate from the Mumbai South seat, has lodged a complaint with the LT Marg police against an unknown individual for spreading false messages about her.
According to her, she is being falsely accused of running a prostitution racket, being involved in illegal activities and threatening voters. Khakhadiya, contesting independently for the first time, aims to advocate for the rights, employment opportunities, and housing for BMC's 35,000 sweeper staff. She believes that the Opposition is trying to tarnish her reputation to gain votes from sweepers by spreading false messages.
Speaking with mid-day, Khakhadiya said, "My husband Lalit inspired me to contest the Lok Sabha election. I aim to assist sweepers in securing jobs for their children, rights, and permanent housing. It's my first election, yet the Opposition is spreading false messages, alleging I'm involved in illegal activities."
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She continued, "The police have yet to make any arrests. As a woman, I respect everyone and demand the strictest punishment for those spreading such falsehoods."
Khakhadiya, who has studied till Std X, is married with two children. Her husband Lalit also works as a sweeper for BMC's E ward, and they have been advocating for sweeper rights for years. According to Khakhadiya, the 1986-87 Government Rules (GR) say that civic workers residing in BMC quarters for over 35 years should get houses in their names. However, despite around 35,000 sweepers working for the BMC in Mumbai, there are only 39 municipal colonies with 5,900 houses.
Khakhadiya pointed out that over 12,500 applicants seeking jobs through parent replacements have had pending cases since 1975. Instead of prioritising employee offspring, the BMC hires on a contractual basis, which goes against the GR.
Senior Inspector Dyaneshwar Wagh of LT Marg police station said, "We've registered the FIR and issued notices to three individuals."
May 20
Day of polls
