Nationalist wave in Mumbai local elections, but in Bandra Catholic woman wins
In the local vote, contrary to the general trend, Karen D'Mello earned the trust of voters, defeating the BJP and Shiv Shena in her district. Many Muslims and Hindus also voted for her. “My Faith strengthens and enlightens me,” she said, making her sensitive to the needs of others and strengthens her commitment to the poor.
Mumbai (AsiaNews) – Elections for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the historic civic governing body of Mumbai, were held recently.
The vote once again saw the Hindu nationalist Barathiya Janata Party (BJP) ride to victory, with 89 seats, along with its ally Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, which took 29 seats.
The Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, also achieved significant success with 65 seats, reflecting how the vote was mainly among nationalist forces.
The Indian National Congress Party scraped by with only 24 seats, but achieved an upset in Bandra West, where Karen D'Mello, a Catholic housewife, took the seat.
“We come from a devout Catholic family, where Faith has been most important in our lives,” her older brother, Clovis Gonsalvers, told AsiaNews.
“I'm the eldest of five children and Karen is the youngest,” he explained. “My paternal granduncle, Mgr Raymond Mendes, was the dean of Vasai who worked tirelessly, especially in the field of education.”
Together with other priests from the area, he “sensed and foresaw that without education the local people would remain mired in their misery and poverty, and worked selflessly to educate the rural communities.” It is fair to say that “Faith and public service have always been entwined in our family.”
Karen D’Mello previously served as a city councillor from 2012 to 2017, during which she worked for local communities without discrimination. “This victory is a tribute to the people of Bandra, who have entrusted her to make their voice heard and act with integrity,” her brother added.
“I am overwhelmed and happy to receive a second term to serve the communities,” said Karen D'Mello, speaking to AsiaNews.
“My Faith strengthens and enlightens me to work for the common good of all. Daily Mass guides me to be sensitive to the needs of others and strengthens my commitment to the poor and the weak in the face of daily challenges and to work for the welfare of all.
“The responsibilities and challenges of public service is aided as I integrate faith into political work.... to serve faithfully and promote the general welfare, the most vulnerable in our community, and those who are most prone to be dominated by the powerful.”
“I humbly acknowledge that I received support from peoples from all walks of life and people of all faiths:– Christians, Hindus, Muslims. Everyone extended their support, and I promise to serve them in the discharge of my duties with justice and integrity.”
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