Citizens' groups recommend candidate to BJP this time

MUMBAI: The voters of Juhu have reposed faith in their local MLA Ameet Satam, and recommended a citizens' candidate to his party the BJP rather than fielding her as an independent.
A cluster of NGOs has suggested that the BJP give a ticket to Renu Hansraj for corporator ward 69. Satam said, ``This for me is the biggest highlight in K West during this election. It's a democratic turnaround.It is touching to see people recommend a candidate to your party because they trust you. We are considering it and a final decision will be taken by the party,'' he said.
Hansraj, 45, runs an NGO called Juhu Soul of Mumbai City. She said, ``I have worked with like-minded NGOs and it is they who have recommended my candidacy to the BJP. The sole reason for this is the exemplary work done by MLA Satam. Since he has been elected, we have seen multiple positive changes in our ward. He is honest and hardworking and available to us 24/7.'' In the past two and a half years, Satam has built 18 gardens, 40 toilets in slum areas, helped undertake the Juhu beach beautification, cleared Versova beach of decades-old encroachments, and followed up the Gilbert Hill conservation plan.
If Hansraj is nominated and elected, she will focus on improving medical and educational facilities, footpaths, water supply and sanitation. ``These are basic issues that contribute to quality of life,'' she said. The phrase ``quality of life'' resonates with her given that she moved back home to India in 1996 after having worked eight years in the US.
Among those who are supporting her candidacy is activist Ashoke Pandit, a dyed in the wool BJP supporter. ``We are sure that the party will give her a ticket but if it does not, we will ensure that the BJP nominee loses. Then we will approach the Congress or some other party to field her on their symbol,'' he warned. Hansraj warily laughed off his words.