Known As 'People's MLA' Among Commoners, Sada Sarvankar All Set For Fourth Victory

Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray established Shiv Sena in Mumbai, and the organisation quickly gained recognition as a group fighting for the rights of Marathis.

Thousands of young men joined the movement, and through numerous agitations, these Shiv Sainiks made a powerful impact on Mumbai.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/shivsenaSadaSarvankar

They staged major protests to secure rights for Marathi people, address issues they faced, and secure job opportunities for them.

Balasaheb Thackeray's vision, along with the organisation of branches in every corner and the drive of young people dedicated to making a difference, helped resolve countless issues for ordinary Mumbaikars.

Balasaheb gave many young men from humble backgrounds the opportunity to become representatives, allowing them to make their mark both in the streets and in the legislative assembly. One notable name among these leaders is Mahim MLA and Siddhivinayak Trust Chairman, Sada Sarvankar.

The Shiv Sena's Dussehra rally is an occasion for all Shiv Sainiks to receive guidance and inspiration. Balasaheb began the tradition of holding the Dussehra rally at Dadar's Shivaji Park.

Middle-class Marathi people in the Marathi-dominated areas of Dadar, Mahim, and Matunga considered Shiv Sena their own party. Several notable Shiv Sainiks from this region have led the party effectively, including Sada Sarvankar.

Opportunity to Serve as a Councillor

From a young age, Sarvankar was deeply influenced by Shiv Sena's ideals and Balasaheb's charisma. Like countless other young men in Mumbai, he began his journey as an ordinary Shiv Sainik, working in the organisation.

Through his social work, his connections within the Dadar-Mahim area grew substantially, and in 1992, he was first elected as a councillor in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

In 1997, he was re-elected, and in 2002, he was elected once again. Between 2002 and 2004, he served as the chair of the BMC's Standing Committee, which is considered a highly influential role within the municipal corporation.

Defeat while in the Congress Party

After a prominent tenure in the municipal corporation, Sarvankar received a ticket to contest the legislative assembly in 2004, winning in his first attempt. He had a close association with then-Shiv Sena leader Narayan Rane.

However, in 2009, Shiv Sena's working president Uddhav Thackeray denied him a ticket, instead nominating Aadesh Bandekar. Angered by this decision, Sarvankar joined the Congress and contested the 2009 assembly election from Mahim constituency, but he faced defeat due to a split in votes, and Nitin Sardesai of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena was elected.

Return to Shiv Sena

In 2014, Sarvankar returned to Shiv Sena, was given another chance from Mahim constituency, and won. He repeated his success in 2019, being elected as MLA for a third time. Over his three terms, he addressed numerous local issues and raised various concerns in the assembly, advocating for local rights.

Support for Eknath Shinde

In 2022, Shiv Sena underwent a leadership shift when forty MLAs, including eight ministers, set aside Uddhav Thackeray in favour of Eknath Shinde, who became the primary leader of Shiv Sena and Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Initially, Sarvankar sided with Uddhav Thackeray, but later switched his support to Eknath Shinde, who appointed him as chairman of the Siddhivinayak Temple Trust.

The chairmanship of this trust holds a significant place in Mumbai's social sphere, and upon receiving it, Sarvankar accelerated various developmental projects for the Siddhivinayak temple precinct.

With Shinde's backing, Sarvankar secured a budget of ₹500 crores for beautification projects in the temple area, which will provide facilities such as accommodation, parking, queues for darshan, and other amenities for devotees.

Work in Coastal Areas

Mahim constituency includes coastal areas where local communities had complaints about irregular water supply. Sarvankar made efforts to resolve this issue, providing pumps for these residents.

Registration of 12,000 Women for Ladki Bahini Scheme

Chief Minister Shinde initiated the Mazi Ladki Bahini scheme, a highly ambitious programme offering direct benefits to women. Eligible beneficiaries under this scheme receive ₹1,500 monthly, credited to their bank accounts. Sarvankar implemented this scheme rigorously in Mahim constituency, successfully registering 12,000 women.

Known as a "simple MLA living among the common people," Sarvankar has a reputation in the Mahim and Dadar areas for maintaining cordial relations across parties and communities.

For the 2024 assembly election, Eknath Shinde has again fielded him from Mahim constituency. This time, he will contest against Mahesh Sawant of the Uddhav Thackeray faction and Amit Thackeray, son of MNS chief Raj Thackeray.

This high-stakes battle has drawn attention across Maharashtra, and Sarvankar's supporters are confident he will win on the strength of his local connections and previous accomplishments.