In the labyrinth of Indian politics, where each constituency becomes a battleground for ideologies, Mumbai South emerges as a crucial arena, pulsating with diverse aspirations and visions for the future. In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024, one name that resonates prominently in this vibrant landscape is Yamini Jadhav, the formidable candidate representing the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Yamini Jadhav is not merely a political contender; she embodies the spirit of Mumbai South—a blend of tradition and modernity, resilience, and aspiration. Born and raised in the heart of Mumbai, Jadhav`s journey is deeply intertwined with the fabric of the city. Her grassroots activism has shaped her into a dynamic leader who understands the pulse of her constituency.

In an exclusive interview with Mid-Day, Jadhav shared her vision for the constituency, emphasising the need for a national policy for baby feeding centers in India. She also discussed her perspective on challenging two-term MP Arvind Sawant of the Shiv Sena (UBT).

When discussing her inspiration to run for the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, Jadhav emphasised that it was the people`s issues that motivated her candidacy. She reflected on the words of Balasaheb Thackeray, who advocated for a blend of social work and politics, but Jadhav believes in prioritising social work even more heavily.

“Balasaheb Thackeray always used to say 80 per cent social work and 20 per cent politics. But I believe that when we engage with the people, it should be 95 per cent social work and only 5 per cent politics. My political philosophy is simple: we should focus on addressing the needs and issues of the people. Understanding your constituency is crucial. It allows you to implement various projects and schemes for the betterment of the people. As a politician, it`s essential to be constantly available. I am always accessible to my fellow citizens,” she said.

When asked about the key issues she aims to address in the Mumbai South constituency, Jadhav highlighted the urgent need for the redevelopment of old and dilapidated buildings, ensuring residents have safe and improved housing options within Mumbai.

“The redevelopment of old and dilapidated buildings is a pressing concern. Residents deserve safe and improved housing options within Mumbai. In addition, both cessed and non-cessed buildings in South Mumbai urgently require redevelopment and repairs. Addressing the rehabilitation of slums on central government land, such as Mumbai Port Authority (MPA) and National Textile Corporation (NTC) properties, is also crucial. Furthermore, there are challenges with cluster redevelopment in South Mumbai, notably the current minimum area requirement of 4,000 sq m. I am committed to advocating for reducing this requirement to 2,500 or 3,000 sq m to facilitate smoother redevelopment processes,” she said.

Jadhav stated that another key issue she aims to address is traffic and parking.

“The other issues I aim to address are traffic and parking. Once redevelopment happens, this issue will automatically be addressed,” she said.

Jadhav added that she also aims to introduce a national policy for baby feeding centres in India.

When asked what made her come up with such a policy she said, “From bustling urban centers to remote rural villages, mothers face numerous obstacles when it comes to breastfeeding their babies. Limited access to clean and private spaces, the social stigma surrounding breastfeeding in public, and the pressures of returning to work shortly after childbirth all contribute to the challenges faced by new mothers. As a woman, a mother, and an elected representative, my journey toward advocating for a comprehensive national policy for Baby Feeding Centers (BFCs) in India began with a poignant moment—a scene that deeply moved me. During a visit to the Mumbadevi temple on a scorching afternoon, amidst the hustle and bustle of devotees, I noticed a group of lactating mothers sitting on the temple steps, struggling to feed their babies amidst the chaos. This site was both heart-wrenching and enlightening, serving as a stark reminder of the difficulties faced by working mothers, particularly those lacking adequate support systems.”

“Being a woman myself, I could deeply empathise with the struggles of these mothers. Listening to their stories of balancing work, household responsibilities, and childcare, I realised the urgent need for accessible and supportive infrastructure to empower mothers to breastfeed their babies without compromising their livelihoods. As a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra, I understood that it was my responsibility to take action. Inspired by the mothers I met, I embarked on a mission to establish a baby feeding center in my constituency. After months of planning and coordination with local authorities and healthcare professionals, I proudly inaugurated the first baby feeding center in the Byculla zoo (or Rani Baug). The center provides a safe and nurturing environment for lactating mothers to breastfeed or express milk for their babies. Equipped with comfortable seating arrangements, privacy screens, and hygiene facilities, it aimed to remove the barriers that often hindered mothers from breastfeeding in public spaces,” she said.

“But my vision extends beyond the borders of Maharashtra. I firmly believe that every mother deserves the right to breastfeed her child without fear or inconvenience, regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic status,” Jadhav added.

Jadhav highlighted that she addresses numerous issues, not only at the level of her constituency but also at the state level. “As a woman MLA, I have been consistently advocating for gender-based issues. Currently, policewomen are permitted to wear a saree only after 16 weeks of pregnancy. However, in response to my demand, they are now allowed to wear a saree uniform from the onset of pregnancy, recognising that heavy belts and trousers are impractical during this time,” she explained.

Speaking about politics, Yamini Jadhav expressed gratitude, stating that Mahayuti leaders have been supportive and helpful. “Since I joined Mahayuti, the alliance leaders have been incredibly supportive and helpful. Being given the candidacy for the Mumbai South constituency demonstrates their faith in me,” she expressed.

When asked about her opinion about Arvind Sawant`s tenure as Member of Parliament, Jadhav said, “Sawant is like Mr. India; for 10 years, he has held the position of Member of Parliament (MP), yet there`s little evidence of him actively working for the people in his constituency. He remains inaccessible and unavailable to address their concerns. His electoral victories can largely be attributed to the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over the past decade, he has failed to address any significant issues or resolve problems in South Mumbai. Accusations of neglecting certain areas that didn`t support him have been made against him. Despite residing in Sewri, he has taken no action to aid in the repair or redevelopment of buildings in need. Essentially, during his tenure as MP, he has been more akin to a `Missing Person`.”

When asked about the allegations of tax evasion against herself and her husband, Yashwant Jadhav, and the Opposition’s claim that she joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena to avoid jail, Jadhav stated, “I prefer not to comment on this matter as it is sub judice. We have taken legal recourse and we will respond to all the agencies through proper legal channels. I have full faith in the Indian appellate and judicial system, and I am confident that the courts will find us innocent. The opposition is not one to question us.”

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