Mumbai's dabbawalas want to contest assembly elections on Shiv Sena ticket

Mumbai's dabbawalas, who are known across the world for their distribution chain network and work management for lunch boxes are now planning to contest the Maharashtra assembly polls on a Shiv Sena ticket.

After the Shiv Sena, in its vision document, proposed various schemes for the dabbawalas, the Mumbai Jevan Dabbe Vahatuk Mahamandal (MJDVM) has approached Shiv Sena party chief Uddhav Thackeray and spokesperson Sanjay Raut, demanding one assembly seat.

Speaking to dna, Subhash Talekar, spokesperson of MJDVM, said, “We are not associated with any political party and therefore, we believe it has hampered our progress. Leader's of Mathadi Kaamgar and Girni Kaamgar are in power, which has helped them to solve their issues, but there is no one to look after our problems. Therefore we have decided to get into politics so that we can resolve our issues.”

“Though, we are willing to contest elections to send our representative in the assembly, we need the backing of some political party, as alone we can't contest polls. Shiv Sena is closer to us and they have helped us resolving our problems, so we have approached Sena and given the proposal to party chief,” Talekar added.

Maintaining that the dabbawalas will be happy if at least one seat is given to them to contest the elections from Byculla or Shivdi workers' constituency, Talekar said, “Most of the dabbawalas have been working in the business for the last three generations. We are known across Mumbai and if we contest, we would win that seat. Financially, we are not strong, therefore, we want the Sena to support us."

Stating that if they had their representative in power, their issues would be sloved, Talekar said, "On the line of land portion given to Mill and Maathadi workers, in 2004, Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde had asked Mhada to allot us a portion of land. Now, from last three years, our file is pending with the chief minister, but no further process has been done as we have no representative there.”

When asked what if Shiv Sena denies ticket, he said, “We are willing to contest, but if we are not allotted ticket, we would still support Shiv Sena.”
 
When contacted, Sena leaders refused to comment, saying any decision on the matter will be taken by party chief Uddhav Thackeray.