As the Mumbai BJP president for two terms, groomed by the RSS and a staunch BJP leader, Ashish Shelar would be an unlikely choice for those who don’t fall into the typical saffron-voter category. But Ashish Shelar is an exception. He’s won the confidence of his electorate, people from diverse religions and socio-economic strata. His office in the crowded Bandra Reclamation area sees a steady stream of visitors every day; people cutting across religions and communities, age groups and with varied requests. If someone complains of harassment, a hapless father is there to ask for money for his son’s medical treatment and a young businessman is there to complain against rampant tree cutting in Bandra. Shelar lends each of them a ear, instructing his office to follow up on the demands. For years, this has been Ashish Shelar’s routine, particularly since he first won the legislative assembly elections in 2014 and has continued his winning spree since then. Before that, Shelar has been a member of the legislative council and was also a corporator from Khar who took a keen interest in resolving civic issues.
His constituency is peculiar in the varied demographics—upscale tony neighbourhoods that house leading film stars and business families, fishing villages, slums and middle class homes, each with its varied needs. In 2019, he was made Minister of School Education, Sports and Youth Welfare for a short period in the Devendra Fadnavis government.
Most residents of Bandra West credit him with organising social events and festivals that celebrate music and the arts. His neighbourhood winter festival and the grand Christmas decorations along the sea at Bandra Reclamation have won the attention of people across Mumbai. An avid sports lover, he’s held the position of the President of the Mumbai Cricket Association and also the treasurer of the BCCI.
This time, his older brother Vinod is contesting from Malad West. He’s been a corporator between 2012 and 2017 and while he was overlooked by the party for the legislative assembly elections in 2014, Vinod has been working in the constituency for the past decade. He’s also a spokesperson of the BJP.
The Shelar brothers are among the siblings who are contesting the elections this time.
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