Thane’s rapidly growing population and real estate boom have compounded urban challenges for residents, particularly traffic congestion and infrastructure delays. The situation is dire, with citizens grappling with inadequate roads, footpaths, water scarcity, and overburdened public transport. The promise of addressing these pressing issues has become a focal point in the upcoming triangular electoral battle, reports Indian Express.

Thane constituency will go to polls on November 20, along with all other seats in the state. Counting of votes for all seats will be held on November 23.

 The Thane Assembly seat is witnessing a fierce three-way contest:

  • Sanjay Kelkar (BJP): The sitting MLA is seeking a third consecutive term, banking on the development agenda supported by CM Eknath Shinde’s Mahayuti coalition.
  • Rajan Vichare (Shiv Sena-UBT): A two-time MP, Vichare aims to reclaim Thane, once considered the Shiv Sena’s stronghold.
  • Avinash Jadhav (MNS): MNS’ Thane district president hopes to build on his 2019 performance, where he secured over 70,000 votes despite limited campaign time.

Key Challenges: Traffic, Water Scarcity, and Civic Delays

Residents cite traffic congestion, water scarcity, and stalled civic projects as their primary concerns. The rising dependency on water tankers has highlighted the need for long-term solutions, such as the construction of dams.

Candidates’ Vision for Thane Infrastructure 

Kelkar emphasises public transport improvements, including the Rs 12,000-crore internal ring road Metro project, a second railway station, and plans to tackle water issues through dam development. “Our aim is all-round development, focusing on health, education, and congestion relief,” said Kelkar, touting the BJP’s infrastructure proposals.

Vichare’s campaign underscores what he describes as the incumbent’s failure to deliver results. His manifesto includes projects like the Thane-Borivali tunnel, traffic junction improvements, and green space development. “Thane is growing rapidly; we need new projects to cater to the population’s needs,” Vichare asserted. “Our aim is to work on the all-round development of Thane that includes improvement of health, education, etc. We are also emphasising public transport to ease congestion such as the recently announced ring-road Metro in Thane. We also have the approval for a second railway station, which will relieve the burden on the existing station.” “For water woes, we have plans to develop small dams, which had been stuck over decades owing to some local agitations,” he said, adding that the double-engine sarkar will ensure a fast pace of work.

Jadhav is focusing on civic delays and leveraging his prior election performance. Confident of securing over 97,000 votes, he highlighted the need for action on unresolved issues. “Despite being a relative newcomer in 2019, I garnered 70,000 votes. This time, I’m prepared for victory,” he said.

Development at Thane railway station, Metro, Thane-Borivali tunnel, improvement of traffic-riddled junctions as well as focus on water dams, green spaces — are among the projects enlisted in Vichare’s manifesto.

For the BJP, retaining Thane is critical to consolidating its position in CM Shinde’s bastion. For Shiv Sena-UBT, regaining this constituency would symbolise a return to its roots. Meanwhile, an MNS win could significantly boost the party’s state-wide clout.

Key Facts About Thane Constituency

  • Population: 3.78 lakh voters
  • 2019 Voter Turnout: 52.92 per cent
  • 2019 Winner: BJP’s Sanjay Kelkar by a margin of 15,526 votes
  • Key Communities: Muslims (8%), SC (4.91%), ST (2.12%)

Thane’s Demographic Dynamics and the Marathi Vote Divide

Thane, home to 3.78 lakh voters, has seen a demographic shift with an influx of non-Maharashtrian communities. Traditionally dominated by Maharashtrians, this evolution is expected to influence voting patterns. Representing 8 per cent of the electorate, Muslim voters in Thane are primarily concentrated in areas such as Rabodi. The division of votes among the three contenders is expected to lead to a closely contested election, with a significant share of the electorate being Maharashtrian.

With each candidate holding sway over different voter segments, political analysts anticipate a tightly contested race. Surendra Jondhale, a political expert told IE: “Thane is witnessing a tough fight. The division of Marathi votes and Shiv Sena loyalists’ choices between UBT and Mahayuti will be decisive.”