India, Jan. 14 -- In the upscale H West ward, comprising Bandra, Khar and Santacruz West, the electoral contest has a mix of experienced faces and first-time challengers, with campaign strategies centred around Advanced Locality Management (ALMs) outreach and civic engagement.

Seasoned BJP corporators Alka Kerkar, Swapna Mhatre and Hetal Gala are in the fray alongside newcomers, while Raja Rehbar Khan, also a former corporator in Bandra Reclamation and along Bazaar Road, is contesting on a Congress ticket. Candidates across parties have sought to connect with voters through active residents' groups and ALMs.

But this election feels markedly different. The passing away of stalwart activists such as Anandini Thakoor, Shyama Kulkarni and R...