In last year’s state assembly elections, women voters in Mumbai turned out in greater numbers than men. In 24 assembly constituencies, the percentage of women voters exceeded that of male voters. Taking note of this encouraging trend, Shiv Sena has designed a special strategy focused on women voters for the upcoming municipal elections.
**Mahila Aghadi Empowers Women Through Creative Competitions**
To boost women’s participation in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Shiv Sena’s Mahila Aghadi (Women’s Front) has been organizing various initiatives. Among these is the Maha Mangalagaur Competition, which provides a vibrant platform to showcase the artistic talents of women across the city.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 6,000 women. The much-awaited prize distribution ceremony was held on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, in the esteemed presence of Minister of State for Home Affairs, Yogesh Kadam.
**Legacy of Women-Focused Initiatives Continues**
Following the success of the Ladki Bahin Yojana, a scheme implemented by then-Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena continues to champion women-centric initiatives aimed at empowerment. The scheme played a vital role in increasing women voter turnout during the assembly elections. This surge in participation notably benefited the Mahayuti alliance, which secured an impressive 235 seats, including 60 Shiv Sena MLAs.
**Women Voters Remain Central to BMC Elections**
In Mumbai, the overall voter turnout stood at 55.46%, with women voters marginally outnumbering men — 55.92% compared to 55.07%. In 24 constituencies, women’s voter turnout exceeded that of men, reinforcing their pivotal role in the upcoming BMC elections.
To capitalize on this, Shiv Sena’s Women’s Front is proactively conducting targeted outreach programs aimed at engaging female voters and encouraging even greater participation.
**Shiv Sena Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Empowerment**
“Women’s empowerment — economic, social, and political — has always been a core commitment of the Shiv Sena,” said Sheetal Mhatre, Shiv Sena spokesperson and deputy leader. “Our Women’s Front is ready for the upcoming elections. Women are the strength of the Shiv Sena. They have already shown their power during the assembly elections, and now, in the municipal polls, they will once again rise to the occasion and show the opposition their place,” she added.
**Competition Winners and Festival Highlights**
In the Maha Mangalagaur Competition, the Kaladarpan Group from Magathane secured first prize, followed by the Shivkanya Group from Byculla in second place, and the Chandrakor Group from Chembur in third.
The “Utsav Mumbaicha” public Ganesh festival decoration contest also garnered significant participation. Hanuman Seva Mandal took home the first prize. Nikadwari Lane Public Mandal (Girgaoncha Raja) and Tardeo Police Colony Ganesh Mandal (Vardicha Raja) jointly received second place honors. Meanwhile, Kokan Mitra Mandal (Bhandup) and Shivaji Park (House) shared third place.
**Organizers and Participation Details**
The competitions were organized under the guidance of prominent leaders including Meenatai Kamble (Shiv Sena Leader), Sheetal Mhatre (Deputy Leader, Spokesperson, Former Corporator), and Sushant Shelar (Shiv Sena Secretary and President, Shiv Chitrapat Sena).
A remarkable total of 450 Ganesh Mandals from across Mumbai participated in the “Utsav Mumbaicha” contest, with 50 Mandals receiving consolation awards for their creative efforts.
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Shiv Sena’s focused engagement with women voters through these initiatives highlights the party’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and strengthening their vital role in Mumbai’s democratic processes.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-politics-shiv-sena-targets-women-voters-ahead-of-bmc-elections-with-special-initiatives