India, Jan. 13 -- In view of the fact that much of the political activity ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections is around communities and language, two events in 2025 set the course for the Jain community to find a voice. The year witnessed protests by community leaders against BMC's twin actions -- demolition of a Jain temple in Vile Parle and closure of kabutarkhanas across the city. The political assertiveness led to the formation of a new political party -- the Jan Kalyan Party (JKP) - in November 2025.

"Jains have woken up to the importance of having political influence, following the two events last year," said Hardik Hundia, founder and national president of JKP. While the party has not fielded any candid...