As the city prepares for polling on Monday, housing societies and resident groups across Mumbai have implemented a range of creative initiatives over the weekend to ensure high voter turnout.
These measures aim to discourage residents from leaving for holidays and to encourage participation in the democratic process. In Kandivali East, located within the Mumbai North constituency, the residents of Neptune Cooperative Housing Society (CHS) in Thakur Village hosted a sports day. This event saw 48 teams comprising 528 residents competing in cricket and badminton tournaments, fostering community spirit and emphasising the importance of voting. The Lokhandwala Complex & Oshiwara Citizens Association (LOCA), representing nearly 200 residential buildings in Andheri West, has introduced an innovative approach by offering movie tickets and gift coupons. Voters who show their inked fingers on May 20 and tag the association on social media will be eligible for these rewards, thus combining civic duty with social engagement.
On Pedder Road, housing societies have arranged for breakfast to be provided to residents on voting day. Nitin Dossa, a local resident, highlighted that this initiative is funded by the residents themselves, seeing it as a valuable incentive to encourage voter participation regardless of political preferences. Similarly, Vasant Sagar Krishna Kaveri CHS in Kandivali, with over 1,000 voters across 11 buildings, will offer breakfast from 7 am to motivate residents to cast their votes. In Bandra, the Pali Hill Residents’ Association has organised transportation services to assist elderly residents in reaching polling stations. This effort aims to eliminate barriers for senior citizens, ensuring they can exercise their voting rights comfortably.
Furthermore, various resident groups have been circulating posters and digital messages to galvanise voter turnout. Mandeep Singh Makkar, founder of the Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association, stated that the association is actively assisting residents with finding their polling centres and necessary documentation. The group is also engaging with first-time voters, encouraging the youth to accompany their parents and grandparents to the polling booths.
These collective efforts by Mumbai’s housing societies reflect a broader trend of community-driven initiatives aimed at enhancing voter engagement and turnout. By providing incentives and addressing logistical challenges, these societies are playing a crucial role in fostering a robust democratic process. The strategic blend of social events, incentives, and support services underscores the innovative approaches being adopted to ensure that every eligible voter in Mumbai has the opportunity and motivation to participate in the upcoming elections.
