Residents voice dismay over the lack of basic facilities and feel politicians are treating them as mere vote bank
Team Clarion
MUMBAI — The city, known for its vast population and vibrant diversity, is home to over two crore people, 22 percent of them being Muslims. Yet, in a city teeming with opportunity and development, the Muslim-majority areas grapple with the lack of basic amenities and government apathy.
Residents frequently stage protests against the government and local authorities, frustrated over the persistent neglect of their areas. Despite having elected representatives, these areas seem to be caught in a cycle of political promises that are rarely fulfilled once the elections are over.
A Trombay area resident, Abdul Rahman, voiced his frustration: “Our leaders come to us before every election, promising to improve our living conditions. But once the votes are counted, they disappear. We are used for their political machinations. We are nothing more than a vote bank to them,” he said.
Mumbai boasts five Muslim-majority assembly constituencies, represented by five MLAs from the community. Despite this political representation, conditions in assembly segments of Mambadevi, Trombay, Bandra, Gondi, and Malad remain largely unchanged. The elected leaders often find themselves powerless due to their minority status in the assembly, making it difficult for them to push through the necessary reforms.
“We do try to address the issues our people face, but without a majority in the house, our efforts often go in vain. Even when our party is in power, the challenges are immense,” one of the MLAs, speaking anonymously, admitted.
The issue is not just about the lack of political will but about the systematic neglect that these areas face. Government funds allocated for development work seem to bypass these Muslim-majority areas, leading to a further sense of disenfranchisement among the residents.
The story of neglect is not new. It repeats itself in every election, with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and political parties stepping in to win over the Muslim vote. But once the elections are over, these efforts fade away, leaving residents to fend for themselves.
“It’s the same story every five years,” said Mohammad Anwar, a resident of Malad. “NGOs and politicians flood our area, making tall promises. But after the elections, nothing changes. We have learned not to expect much.”
The situation in these areas is compounded by the internal divisions within the Muslim community itself. The north Indian Muslim leadership in Mumbai, although influential, often finds itself at odds with other community leaders, further weakening their collective bargaining power.
This division has allowed other political groups to try and break the influence of the north Indian Muslim leadership in the city. However, even the most influential non-Muslim north Indian leaders have had to concede to the Muslim leadership at times, a testament to their significant influence.
Despite this, the conditions in Muslim-majority areas remain dire. Many of these neighbourhoods lack even the most basic facilities such as potable water, proper sanitation, and healthcare. The residents are often forced to live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, with little hope of improvement.
The neglect of Muslim areas in Mumbai is a microcosm of a larger issue that affects many minority communities across India. The systematic disenfranchisement of these communities, coupled with a lack of effective political representation, has led to a growing sense of alienation and frustration.
One community leader put it bluntly: “We are part of this city, we contribute to its growth, yet we are treated as second-class citizens. Our children deserve better, our families deserve better.”
The question that remains unanswered is why, despite the availability of government funds and schemes, these areas continue to be left behind. What happens to the funds allocated for the development of these constituencies? Why do government schemes seem to elude these neighbourhoods?
These questions need to be addressed if the situation has to improve. The residents of these areas are not asking for special treatment; they are simply seeking the same basic amenities that are available in other parts of the city.
The road ahead is challenging, but not without hope. There are calls for a more united leadership within the Muslim community, one that can effectively advocate for the needs of their people. There is also a need for greater accountability from the elected representatives, who must ensure that the funds and schemes meant for the development of their constituencies are properly utilised.
As the city continues to grow, the need for equitable development becomes even more pressing. Mumbai cannot truly progress if large sections of its population are left behind. The story of the Muslim-majority areas is a reminder that there is still much work to be done to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their background, have access to the basic facilities they deserve.
The neglect of Muslim-majority areas in Mumbai is a reflection of a broader issue of inequality and systemic disenfranchisement. While the city continues to develop and grow, these areas remain stuck in a cycle of neglect, with little hope of improvement. It is time for the government and political leaders to take concrete steps to address these issues, ensuring that the benefits of development reach every corner of the city.
The voices of the residents are clear: they want change, they want progress, and they want to be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Whether this will happen remains to be seen, but the need for action is urgent, and the time for change is now.
