Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Thane boasts many top netas. So why is infra lacking?

The under-construction SATIS bridge, possibly the longest elevated road connecting a suburban railway station in the Mumbai metropolitan region, in Thane East on Thursday. Pics/Sameer Markande

Thane, the political backyard of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is of historical importance for the Shiv Sena (UBT) as Thane city was where the Shiv Sena first came to power after capturing the civic council in the 1960s.

Now, Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray's respective blue-eyed boys Naresh Mhaske - a former mayor - and two-time MP Rajan Vichare are locked in a battle for this seat whose significance cannot be overstated for either party.

Constituency profile

The parliamentary constituency comprises areas under the jurisdiction of the Thane, Mira Bhayandar and Navi Mumbai civic bodies and includes the Mira Bhayandar, Ovala-Majiwada, Kopri Pachpakhadi, Thane Airoli and Belapur Assembly segments. Shinde represents Kopri-Pachpakhadi while Shiv Sena's Pratap Sarnaik represents Ovala-Majiwada. Geeta Jain, the independent MLA of Mira Bhayandar supports Shinde while Thane's Sanjay Kelkar, Airoli's Ganesh Naik and Belapur Manda Mhatre are BJP MLAs.

Mainly ruled by the Shiv Sena and BJP, this Lok Sabha seat was won by Congress' Sonubhau Baswant in 1962. From 1967 to 1976, the seat did not exist. Since its return to existence, only two candidates of Congress and NCP have represented it. Rambhau Mhalgi of the Janata Party won the 1977 and 1980 general elections from here. BJP's Jagannath Patil won in the 1982 bypoll necessitated by Mhalgi's passing while Shantaram Gholap of the Congress wrested it from him in 1984. Thane then returned to the BJP, with Ram Kapse winning it in 1989 and 1991. From 1996 until his demise in 2008, Prakash Paranjape of Shiv Sena represented this constituency. Anand Paranjape won the byelection in 2008, but NCP's Sanjeev Naik gained the seat the following year. Shiv Sainik Rajan Vichare, who is currently with the UBT, has been the MP of Thane since 2014.

24,90,000
No. of voters in Thane Lok Sabha seat

What Voters want

Mira Bhayandar
This segment is almost separate from the rest of the region. Adjacent to Dahisar, the entry point into Mumbai, the area has been developing speedily for the past two decades. There has been a demand to relocate the toll plaza at Dahisar, which creates traffic jams. The redevelopment of old and somewhat unauthorised buildings and structures in Bhayandar East and the illegal tenancy of Nigerian residents involved in crime are burning issues.

"Redevelopment of 30-year-old buildings in Shanti Nagar has been pending for the past few years due to lack of political will. Water supply has to be improved as the population has increased," said Mangal Parulekar, a resident of Mira Road.

Ovala-Majiwada
This segment primarily faces drinking water issues. In the past two decades, towers have come where small villages used to stand. However, the water supply has not been augmented. A large number of trees have also been axed to make way for buildings. Due to this, pollution levels are high. Traffic congestion is another issue.

Thane
Assembly segment covers the main city of Thane and the major concern here is narrow roads, and traffic congestion. City is poorly connected in terms of public transport and the Thane railway station lacks facilities while the area around it is always flooded with vehicles. Redevelopment of the old building and the lack of public toilets are other issues.

"Narrow roads and traffic congestion are major issues. A master plan and Metro are sorely needed. It is a growing city and infrastructure is deplorable. City boasts prominent politicians, but its civic infrastructure is wanting," said Sanjay Gangurde.

Kopri Pachpakhadi
Redevelopment of old buildings and narrow roads are also issues in this segment. Although the chief minister introduced a cluster development project, it's not taking shape, residents claimed.

Airoli
Despite being a part of Navi Mumbai, this segment faces power supply troubles apart from parking issues and traffic congestion. Government-owned open plots have also been encroached.

Belapur
Vashi, the first planned city in state, comprises this segment. Redevelopment is also an issue here. While most of the city is properly planned, surrounding villages lack basic amenities. In recent times, the issue of illegal slums has arisen.

Brijesh Pandit, a local, said, "There is a need to develop sports and cultural centres. Navi Mumbai should have its own policy for the development of sports."

‘The redevelopment of old buildings needs to be fast-tracked. Public transport and public toilets must be improved'
Suvarna Shetty, Kopri local

‘Parking and traffic congestion are major concerns. The power supply is not continuous'
Ramesh Singh, businessman and Airoli resident

"We are not getting sufficient drinking water. Most societies depend on tankers. Traffic and pollution are other major concerns here."
Sunil Bhosle, who lives near Ghodbunder Road

Total voters

The total number of voters in this constituency is 24.9 lakh of which 13.39 lakh are male and 11.50 lakh are female.