Early Life and Education
Rais Shaikh was born on June 1, 1974, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He hails from a middle-class family in the Mandvi suburb of Mumbai. His parents are Kasam Shaikh (father) and Zainab Shaikh (mother). Rais attended Dawoodbhoy Fazalbhoy High School and Lala Lajpatrai College in Mumbai. He later graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Commerce from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, affiliated with the University of Mumbai.
Political Career
- Municipal Councilor: Rais Shaikh served as a Municipal Councilor in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) from 2012 to 2017, representing Govandi (Ward No. 132).
- Group Leader of Samajwadi Party: He is associated with the Samajwadi Party and has been its Group Leader in Mumbai.
- Maharashtra Legislative Assembly: Rais Shaikh is the current Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Bhiwandi East constituency. He won the election in 2019.
Major Achievements
Top 10 Corporators: He was among the top 10 corporators in Mumbai, as per a survey by Mumbai Mirror
During his tenure as an MLA, Rais Shaikh has been instrumental in initiating and supporting several key projects aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education in his constituency. He has also been a vocal advocate for the rights of minority communities, working to ensure that their concerns are addressed in the legislative process.
One of his notable achievements includes the successful implementation of development projects in Bhiwandi East, which have significantly improved the living conditions of the residents. His efforts to enhance public amenities, such as roads, sanitation, and public health services, have been widely appreciated by his constituents.
Key Political Initiatives
MLA Rais Shaikh has demanded a thorough review of nullah cleaning in Mumbai and called for strict action against contractors who failed to perform the work properly ahead of the monsoon season. (IndianExpress)
Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to implement a 5% reservation for Muslims to address their backwardness and promote their development. Shaikh’s letter, sent before the state legislature’s special session on Maratha reservation, cites previous provisions and the Bombay High Court’s support for Muslim reservation in education. He calls for immediate legislative action to formalize the reservation. (IndianExpress)
Controversy
In April 2024, Rais Shaikh, MLA from Bhiwandi East, resigned from his position, citing concerns with the party’s state leadership. There had been visible differences between Shaikh and Abu Asim Azmi, the SP’s Maharashtra chief. Shaikh’s growing popularity in Muslim-dominated Bhiwandi, his consistent efforts in raising the city’s concerns in the Maharashtra assembly, and his work as a municipal councillor contributed to his prominence. However, he later withdrew his resignation and committed to discussing the issues exclusively within the party’s forums. (HindustanTimes)
Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh has accused the state School Education department of favoring out-of-state textile manufacturers in a Rs 138 crore tender for school uniforms. He alleges the tender conditions are designed to exclude Maharashtra-based power loom cloth makers. Shaikh has urged Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to scrap the tender and appoint the Maharashtra State Powerloom Corporation (MSPC) as the procurement agency. He claims the requirements, such as high productivity and turnover, unfairly disadvantage local manufacturers. (TOI)
Social Media and Public Engagement
Personal Life
Rais is married to Atiya Shaikh and has a daughter named Bushra Rais Shaikh.
Promises and Future Commitments
MLA Rais Shaikh has demanded the immediate completion of drain cleaning work in the city to prevent potential waterlogging during the monsoon season.
MLA Rais Shaikh celebrated the launch of Bhiwandi’s first digital classroom at Municipal School No. 65, highlighting the excitement and importance of this significant educational upgrade.
MLA Rais Shaikh took action to address traffic congestion on Khandu Pada Road by instructing drivers to clear the way, prioritizing smooth traffic flow for the convenience of residents.
MLA Rais Shaikh’s visit from Kharegaon Toll Naka to Vadpe Road led to significant traffic management improvements, including a control room, drone surveillance, and a toll-free helpline. These measures have reduced travel times from Mumbai central to Bhiwandi to just 1 hour 45 minutes, enhancing road safety and efficiency.
Videos and Interviews
