Slum pockets have crorepati candidates

Navi Mumbai: In an irony of sorts, many candidates and corporators who are crorepatis, are contesting the civic elections from slum areas, plagued by lack of basic civic amenities.
“During elections, these rich people approach us with folded hands, and even touch the feet of elders while wooing voters. But they disappear after the polls,” said Mohit Kanse, of Subhashnagar.
“We are living under the clout of these rich candidates, who enjoy privileges, but do nothing for slum development,” said Sridhar Mate from Turbhe.
Four-time NCP corporator Suresh Kulkarni from Turbhe, the largest slum pocket in the city, tops the list with Rs 17.3 crore in declared wealth. Kulkarni is followed by Shiv Sena’s Jagdish Gavate from Digha ward, who owns property and cash worth Rs 12.5 crore.
An independent, Ranjana Sonawane of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Nagar of Rabale, has declared assets of Rs 4.6 crore, followed by Navin Gawte (NCP) from Digha with Rs 4.5 crore. Sena’s Vijay Chougule, contesting from Chinchpada-Airoli, has assets of Rs 3.5 crore. Scrap mafia kingpin Muktar Ansari, (former NCP, now independent), has revealed zero assets.