Two years after they fielded their own candidate and got him elected as a corporator, the residents of Juhu are now gearing up to take a lead over political bigwigs in the Assembly elections with a citizens’ consensus candidate in Andheri (West). Their larger goal: To do away with politicians by 2012, when the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections would be held next.

According to Hansel D’Souza, chairman of Juhu Citizens Welfare Group (JCWG), who is the citizens’ choice for Andheri (West), the common man is yearning for a change and wants governance by concerned, educated citizens. “We want K/West to be a citizen-driven ward. We have set an ultimatum that no political party or politician will be allowed to contest in Andheri, Juhu areas by 2012 when the BMC polls will be conducted next... We will ensure that no politician is allowed to display their hoardings in our ward; it will be completely governed by citizens.”

The JCWG had successfully fielded its first candidate/activist Adolf D’Souza in 2007. Hansel is positive that citizens, area representatives, NGOs and the area local management (ALM) groups would help him win the Assembly election. Meetings with citizens have already begun and so has the collection of money. They require nearly Rs 5 lakh for the election and this will be funded by citizens.

“No political party is safeguarding the interests of citizens now; each of them have their own interests. For me that is not the case, I have a job and a good earning; for me citizens’ interests and development of the area are the only concerns,” said Hansel, a professor of marketing.

... contd.