Mumbai: Electoral theatre for many political stalwarts

Mumbai, April 25 

From Dalit icon Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar to noted Communist leader Sripad Dange, many a political stalwart have tried their luck in parliamentary elections from Mumbai.

There have also been surprises like when firebrand trade union leader George Fernandes trounced Congress heavyweight SK Patil from the Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency in 1967.

Before delimitation in 2008, the city district had three Lok Sabha constituencies — Mumbai South, South Central and North Central.

Mumbai district was divided into Mumbai City and Mumbai Suburb in 1990.

In 1952, Mumbai’s parliamentary constituencies were Mumbai South, Mumbai North and Mumbai Suburbs. While in 1957, there were Mumbai City South, Mumbai Central and Mumbai North.

In 1962, the Lok Sabha seats were Mumbai City South, Mumbai City South Central and Mumbai City North Central (SC).

Ambedkar, who was the law minister in the Jawaharlal Nehru government formed after Independence, contested as the candidate of the Scheduled Caste Federation (SCF) from Mumbai North in 1952.

However, the chief Constitution-maker was defeated by Congress candidate Narayan Kajrolkar.  In 1957, Defence Minister VK Krishna Menon of the Congress won from Mumbai North.

While Dange, a founding member of the CPI, was elected to the Lok Sabha from Mumbai Central in 1957, Fernandes emerged as a “giant killer” in 1967 by defeating Congress’ Patil from Mumbai South.

Communist and socialist leaders have left their deep imprint on the political landscape of the financial capital of the country, which was once home to a large number of textile mills. The metropolis now has half a dozen Lok Sabha seats, which go to the polls on April 29. — PTI