Community leaders approach BJP city unit and strongly express their demand for tickets to fight the BMC elections early next year
Members of Christian groups representing the community in the city have demanded that members who have whole heartedly supported the Bhartiya Janata Party in Assembly and Parliamentary elections say it's now payback time for the party. This will prove as a litmus test for BJP as the community demands tickets for civic elections in areas where their numbers are more.
Catholic community leaders have already expressed their demands and are planning to meet Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar this week to push their demands. "Young, educated and an aware lot of the community is coming forward to bring about a change in the city. They are looking for an opportunity to participate in active politics and also represent their community. During election time all parties expect us to vote for them but when the question comes of solving their issues, we are avoided. Now enthusiastic Christians have decided to take part in politics and get into the system to bring about a change in their lives and their issues", said a senior member of the community adding that Congress has given representation to Christians.
Messages about demanding representation in civic elections are doing rounds on social media and the issue is gaining support from community members. Apart from Bandra, Khar, Juhu Koliwada, the city has a good strength of Christians in areas like Orlem-Malad, IC Colony-Borivali, Gorai and Byculla.
Association of Concerned Christians (AOCC) another leading group from the community has planned to put up their formal representation to the BJP's city unit. However, they have already expressed their demand to the party. "There are several areas in the city where Christians are in good numbers.In Bandra, Juhu Koliwada areas Christians form a good 30 - 40 per cent of the voting population. Why shouldn't we expect the representation. We have met Ashish Shelar and have expressed our demand. We will meet him again to put up formal demand", said A M Sodder, secretary AOCC.
Sodder added that State Government hasn't filled the post of Vice President of State's Minority Commission, which usually goes to a Christian member. Ashish Shelar, President of Mumbai BJP said that the party wants good representation of minorities in the civic elections. "We understand and respect the sentiments of the community and would definitely work towards meeting their demands," said Shelar.
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