Early Life and Education
Ashish Shelar was born on October 3, 1972, in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. He grew up in a chawl system dwelling in the mill-workers area of Mumbai before moving to Bandra West with his family. Shelar completed his schooling at Parle College and earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in 1992. He then pursued a law degree from G.J. Advani Law College, University of Mumbai.
Political Career
Ashish Shelar is a prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He began his political journey with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during his school days and later joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in college, eventually becoming the Mumbai Secretary of ABVP.
He has held several significant positions within the BJP:
- Mumbai Secretary, ABVP
- President, Mumbai BJYM
- BMC Corporator, Khar West
- President, North West Mumbai district BJP
- BMC Corporator, BJP Group Leader in BMC
- President, Bharatiya Janata Party, Mumbai
Shelar has been serving as the Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing the Vandre West constituency since 2014. He also served as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council from 2012 to 2014.
Major Achievements
- Educational Reforms: As the Minister of School Education, Shelar played a pivotal role in pushing for reforms that focused on improving the quality of education in Maharashtra, making it more inclusive and accessible.
- Cricket Administration: In his role as BCCI Treasurer and President of the Mumbai Cricket Association, Shelar has been involved in strengthening cricket infrastructure and promoting grassroots-level sports.
- Infrastructure and Development: In his constituency of Bandra West, Shelar has been instrumental in driving various developmental projects aimed at improving public amenities and infrastructure, including better roads and water supply.
Key Political Initiatives
Ashish Shelar has been a vocal advocate for youth empowerment and the promotion of sports in Maharashtra. His initiatives as a Minister have centered around strengthening educational institutions and providing better facilities for young athletes. He has also been actively involved in addressing the civic issues of Mumbai, particularly in the areas of urban development and public safety
Controversy
1. Remarks Against Former Mumbai Mayor
In December 2021, Ashish Shelar was arrested and later released on bail for making allegedly objectionable remarks about then Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar. The remarks were made during a press conference where Shelar criticized the mayor’s response to a cylinder blast incident in Worli. The case was registered under sections 354(A)(4) (making sexually colored remarks) and 509 (words or gestures insulting a woman’s modesty) of the IPC.
2. High Court Case on Remarks Against Ex-Mayor
In August 2023, the Bombay High Court gave the Mumbai Police a “last chance” to decide whether to pursue the case against Ashish Shelar for his remarks against former Mayor Kishori Pednekar. Shelar had filed a plea seeking to quash the FIR, claiming it was false and vexatious.
Social Media
Personal Life
Ashish Shelar is married to Pratima Shelar, who is also an advocate. They reside in Mumbai, and their family background is deeply rooted in public service. His father, Babaji Shelar, has been a guiding influence in his political journey
Promises and Future Commitments
In a relief to local residents and regular visitors of Bandra’s Raosaheb Patwardhan Garden, MLA Ashish Shelar announced during the Independence Day flag hoisting on August 15 that the plan for an underground parking lot beside the garden has been cancelled. Locals, like Khar resident Sandeep Shah, expressed their happiness, as they feared the parking lot would have increased traffic, noise, and pollution in the green space. Shelar confirmed the cancellation of the project, which was initially proposed by the BMC to accommodate 228 cars at an estimated cost of ₹74 crore.
Bandra West MLA Ashish Shelar announced the cancellation of the BMC’s proposed elevated east-west connector over Khar subway, a project estimated at ₹2,400 crore. The decision came after local residents raised objections to the project’s design and impact on their area. Following discussions with the chief minister, deputy CM, and BMC commissioner, Shelar scrapped the project. The initial plan involved connecting Khar subway to Bandra Terminus and extending to the Western Express Highway, but residents opposed changes to the route. Activist Anandini Thakoor, part of the delegation, expressed a desire to seek alternative solutions for improving east-west connectivity.
In a meeting with Mumbai Suburban District Collector Rajendra Kshirsagar, police, and BMC officials, Bandra West MLA Ashish Shelar prioritized addressing local issues within his constituency. The discussion focused on residents’ complaints, enhancing civic amenities, and improving security. Shelar emphasized the need for immediate action, with officials committing to implement concrete measures to resolve the challenges faced by the community.
MLA Ashish Shelar visited Ranwar village in Bandra with local residents, their architect, Mumbai Suburban Collector, BMC, and Traffic Police officials to discuss a community-led project focused on beautifying and restoring signages and walkways that highlight the Goathan heritage of the village. Shelar expressed his support for the initiative, which aims to preserve and showcase the cultural heritage of Ranwar village.
Under the government of Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar, significant progress has been made in addressing the eligibility issues of mill workers, with most houses being allotted during this period. MLA Ashish Shelar affirmed that the expectations of the mill workers are justified, and he is committed to discussing their concerns and ensuring that their needs are met.
MLA Ashish Shelar assured citizens that the toll waiver decision, made by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, will be fully implemented. He emphasized that he will act as a watchdog to ensure that residents receive the promised benefits from this decision.
Videos and Interviews