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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

MPs rebellion ‘splits’ even some families

Mumbai: Amid the rebellion by 6 Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, at least two of them have shot into the spotlight, but for entirely different and non-political reasons – Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar (Hingoli) and Sanjay Dina-Patil (Mumbai North-East). Despite their fathers currently in the process of shifting loyalties to the Shiv Sena headed by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the son and daughter, respectively, of both these MPs have chosen to stay anchored firmly with SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray....

MPs rebellion ‘splits’ even some families

Mumbai: Amid the rebellion by 6 Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, at least two of them have shot into the spotlight, but for entirely different and non-political reasons – Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar (Hingoli) and Sanjay Dina-Patil (Mumbai North-East). Despite their fathers currently in the process of shifting loyalties to the Shiv Sena headed by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the son and daughter, respectively, of both these MPs have chosen to stay anchored firmly with SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray. They are Krishna Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Rajool Sanjay Patil and both are emerging politicians in their own right and with politically bright prospects. Rajool is a SS (UBT) Municipal Corporator from Ward No. 114 (Bhandup) in her father’ constituency, and Krishna is the official Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate for the Nanded Local Authorities constituency in the Maharashtra Legislature’s upper house. However, the abrupt rebellion by their fathers - along with four other SS (UBT) MPs has raised question marks on their own loyalties and political moorings – with the MLCs election results scheduled on Monday. A Deputy Leader from Pune guardedly said that “the same norms under the anti-defection laws for parliament would apply” at all levels, preventing the duo (Krishna and Rajool) from following in their fathers’ footsteps. “After all, there are many examples where in the same family, different members owe allegiance to different political parties. They may have made their personal political calculations and survival before taking any plunge blindly in the name of ideology,” the leader told ‘The Perfect Voice’, requesting anonymity. A Mumbai leader averred that in case the political sand slips - for whatever reasons - in the ongoing defection drama, at least all in the family may not have to pay the price for a botch-up, as “these youngsters still have a long road ahead in politics”. On June 18, when Ashtikar’s name came among the six potential turncoats, Krishna faced an embarrassing situation as the MLC polling was underway that day. Krishna quickly mouthed bites to proclaim his allegiance to Thackeray and an equally bewildered Rajool - elected as a BMC corporator just six months ago - instantly declared her support to SS (UBT) and even joined a protest against her father’s decision. Both the youngsters confronting a peculiar family-cum-political divide put up brave faces and publicly claimed that they had “absolutely no inkling” of the political coup currently underway and are firmly with Thackeray. For the present, however, the SS (UBT) camp is somewhat relieved that the damage caused by the proposed exit of the 6 MPs has not percolated to their family members, affording it time to take some proactive measures to prevent a similar scenario in the coming times. SS (UBT) Deputy Leader dares MP’s son A skeptical SS (UBT) Deputy Leader Sushma Andhare and others immediately pounced on Krishna Ashtikar, questioning the credibility of his words after his father and party MP from Hingoli Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar’s plans to switch sides. “Go and perform your father’s funeral rituals (pind-daan) immediately to prove your claims that you are different from your father…” a livid Andhare dared Krishna, who retorted by saying that he is “answerable only to the SS (UBT) supremo and none else”.

Firm on The Wicket

Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar is trying his luck once again from the Vandre East Assembly constituency. He had represented his party from this constituency twice since 2014 and hence, one can assume, he is firmly standing on the wicket on his home turf. But, more than that, as the Mumbai unit president of the BJP, he is expected to fetch more seats for the party from the city and looking at his stance, he seems to be firmly in control on that pitch also.


Born on October 3, 1972 at a chawl in central Mumbai, Shelar’s family that hails from Sindhudurg district moved to the western suburb of Bandra while he was very young. Involved in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities since his school days, Shelar’s leadership qualities got a boost as he started working closely in students’ organisation Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), during his college days at Parle College where he pursued a Bachelor ’s degree in Science. Later he gained a law degree from Mumbai University and pursued legal profession.


While pursuing legal profession he also got elected as corporator to BMC and began his career in the politics. After a two-year stint at the state legislative council Shelar contested assembly election in 2014 and defeated Baba Siddiqi of the Congress. Eventually he also became the party president for the Mumbai city and took on the Shiv Sena in municipal elections in 2017. The BJP and the Shiv Sena parted ways in the local body since then.


Being a sports lover himself, Shelar worked to advance a variety of sports. He was elected as the vice president of the Mumbai Cricket Association in June 2015 and later became its president in January 2017. He has also been involved in football administration, serving as the chairman of the Mumbai district football association, which represents over 350 football clubs.


Diligent, enthusiastic and inclusive are the three words that describe him the best, he feels. Known for his dedication to serving the people and making a positive impact in the community. With a strong background in politics and governance, Shelar has become a respected leader and voice for change.

Shelar will have to play a big role in this election. Since he is responsible for the BJP’s performance in Mumbai all eyes will be on his strategy and planning. He could expect a big reward if he delivers. A failure will bring him to the square one.

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