The voting pattern in an overwhelming majority of Mumbai’s 36 Assembly seats has thrown up an interesting fact. Except for five seats, everywhere else in Mumbai, the same party/ coalition that led in a particular Assembly segment during the Lok Sabha polls six months ago has won it.

Analysts view this as the failure of all political parties in raising any real issues in the city this elections. Goregaon, Mankhurd, Vandre East, Mahim and Malabar Hill are the seats where voters went against this trend.

In the remaining 31 Assembly segments, the majority of voters chose the same party they had voted for in the parliamentary polls. For instance, Congress’ Sanjay Nirupam was elected from Mumbai North Lok Sabha seat earlier this year. Of the six Assembly seats in Mumbai North, the Congress had led in Kandivali East and Malad West, the Sena-BJP in Charkop, Dahisar and Borivli while MNS led in Magathane seat. In the Assembly polls, the same parties won the respective segments where they had led, a pattern that has been repeated in most other seats in Mumbai.

Surendra Jondhale, head of department of civics and politics at University of Mumbai, said this shows voters were not impressed by issues raised by the political parties and have chosen to vote for their preferred party.

“The voter cannot get influenced easily unless there is an attractive alternative. This could be a radical policy or an issue raised by a political party or a charismatic candidate who is able to draw voters. In seats where none of these elements are present, voters stick to their usual choice,” said Jondhale.

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