Versova: Muslim Majority, but a Close Contest Between Uddhav Faction and BJP, Congress Enters the Fray

Mumbai: The upcoming BMC elections in Mumbai are shaping up to be a fiercely contested battle, especially in the politically significant Versova assembly constituency. Seven years after the last BMC elections in 2017, shifting political equations and party splits are creating a complex scenario. The NCP is now divided, while Shiv Sena itself is split into two factions.

Versova: Electoral Significance
Known for its film personalities and fishing communities, Versova has five BMC wards — 59, 60, 61, 62, and 63 — falling under its assembly constituency. In the 2017 BMC elections, Shiv Sena and BJP won two seats each, while one seat went to an independent candidate. The MIM finished third in Ward 63. Analysts suggest that given the current political dynamics, the margin of victory in the upcoming elections is likely to be narrow.

In the 2024 assembly elections, the anti-BJP vote consolidated in favor of the Uddhav faction. However, in the upcoming BMC elections, Congress’s decision to contest independently and the possibility of the Uddhav faction aligning with MNS may split the vote. Historically, since its formation in 2009, Versova assembly has seen BJP win twice, Congress once, and the Uddhav faction once.

Political Players Target Muslim Votes
With Congress opting to contest alone, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition faces a setback in Versova. Meanwhile, parties like Congress, SP, and MIM are actively courting Muslim voters, which may lead to a division of the community’s votes. BJP’s prospects largely depend on the Marathi and Hindi-speaking voters, while Congress hopes to attract votes from North Indian, Muslim, and other communities due to its independent stance against the MVA coalition.

Demographics and Electoral Math
According to the 2024 assembly data, Versova has a total electorate of 280,000, with Muslims forming the largest group — around 105,000 voters. This includes approximately 44,000 North Indian Muslims (16%) and 61,000 other Muslims (22%). North Indian voters total 61,500 (22%), Marathi voters 57,500 (21%), and Gujarati-Marwari 22,600 (8%).

Political analysts indicate that besides Congress, both MIM and SP have opportunities in Versova, whereas BJP and the Uddhav faction are more dependent on Marathi and Hindi-speaking voters. In the 2024 assembly elections, Congress had a favorable environment, but due to coalition dynamics, the seat went to the Uddhav faction, which fielded Haroon Khan and secured victory.

2017 BMC Election Results in Versova Wards

• Ward 59: Pratima Khopde (Shiv Sena) – 7,690 votes (Won), Priya Bhanje (BJP) – 6,494 votes (Lost)
• Ward 60: Yogiraj Dabhadkar (BJP) – 6,908 votes (Won), Yashodhar Fadse (Shiv Sena) – 6,406 votes (Lost)
• Ward 61: Rajul Patel (Shiv Sena) – 10,043 votes (Won), Urmila Gupta (BJP) – 4,277 votes (Lost)
• Ward 62: Changez Multani (Independent) – 10,654 votes (Won), Raju Pednekar (Shiv Sena) – 4,569 votes (Lost)
• Ward 63: Ranjana Patil (BJP) – 4,864 votes (Won), Varsha Korgaonkar (Shiv Sena) – 4,198 votes (Lost)