India, Jan. 6 -- With the explicit aim of dismantling what they describe as "entrenched dynastic politics" in Colaba-Cuffe Parade, a clutch of independent candidates backed by influential residents' groups has mounted a serious challenge in Mumbai's A ward to three members of sitting MLA Rahul Narwekar's family: former corporators Harshita and Makarand Narwekar and new entrant Dr Gauravi Shivalkar Narwekar.

The primary citizen challengers are Dr Laura D'Souza, president of the Cuffe Parade Residents Association, who is standing against Gauravi, while Deepaq Silan, a member of the Clean Heritage Colaba Residents Association, is contesting on an Aam Aadmi Party ticket against Harshita.

Drawing support from both slum communities and afflue...