Early Life and Education
Atul Bhatkhalkar was born on March 8, 1965, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He pursued his early education in Mumbai and has been actively involved in political and social activities since his youth.
Political Career
Atul Bhatkhalkar represents the Kandivali East constituency in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. He is a senior leader in the BJP and has been actively involved in Maharashtra politics for several years. His entry into electoral politics came after his successful tenure as a BJP functionary, where he played a crucial role in expanding the party’s outreach in Maharashtra.
One of his most notable electoral successes came in the 2014 Maharashtra Assembly elections, when he won the Kandivali East seat with a significant margin. Since then, Bhatkhalkar has been re-elected and remains a key political figure in Mumbai politics.
Key Political Initiatives:
- Affordable Housing: Bhatkhalkar has pushed for affordable housing projects in his constituency, ensuring that the residents of Kandivali East, many of whom belong to middle-income and lower-income groups, benefit from government schemes.
- Infrastructure Development: Under his tenure, Kandivali East has seen significant improvements in road infrastructure, public transportation, and better sanitation facilities.
- Public Welfare: He is a strong proponent of social welfare schemes initiated by the central government, such as Ayushman Bharat and PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana).
Controversies
Complaint Against Uddhav Thackeray: In September 2021, Atul Bhatkhalkar lodged a complaint against then Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. He accused Thackeray of making a controversial remark against migrants, which Bhatkhalkar claimed created a rift between communities and disrupted communal harmony.
Call to Shut Down Government-Funded Madrasas: In October 2020, Bhatkhalkar wrote a letter to Uddhav Thackeray, urging him to shut down state-funded madrasas. He challenged Thackeray to prove his “Hindutva credentials” by taking this action.
Social Media and Public Engagement:
Bhatkhalkar is highly active on social media, using it as a tool to stay connected with his constituents. He regularly posts updates on Twitter and Facebook about his work and the developments in his constituency. His public engagement has strengthened his image as a responsive and people-centric leader.
Personal Life
Atul Bhatkhalkar is married to Rashmi Bhatkhalkar, and they have a son named Saumitra Bhatkhalkar. He resides in Mumbai and continues to be actively involved in his political and social responsibilities.
Promises and Future Commitments
MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar announced that the much-anticipated work on Bandongari DP Road in Kandivali East will begin after Ganeshotsav. This road is crucial for easing traffic congestion in the area. Bhatkhalkar, who has been consistently overseeing the project for several months, conducted another inspection with officials to ensure timely progress.
MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar distributed certificates to over 150 women who completed training at the Shivankala Training Centre in Kandivali East, an initiative started through his efforts. Some of the women have already launched their own businesses. Additionally, a new course for ‘Tally’ training at the Computer Training Center was inaugurated. Bhatkhalkar emphasized that business training is a key to progress, with hundreds of women in his constituency taking significant steps toward entrepreneurship.
MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar, along with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, inspected the widening work of the Akurli subway in Kandivali East. They reviewed the progress of the project to ensure it is advancing as planned.
MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar inaugurated a borewell funded by his initiative at Nirrashivbhakti Building, Akurli Cross Road No. 1 in Kandivali East. During the event, he engaged with local residents to discuss their concerns and needs.
MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar met with Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhushan Gagarani to address various issues in Kandivali East. He urged immediate action on key projects, including the development of RG plots at Bandongari DP Road, improvements to Akurli Maternity Home, and enhancements at Thakur Complex.