Early Life and Education
Manda Vijay Mhatre was born on January 20, 1956, in Belapur, Maharashtra. She has always been passionate about public welfare, which led her to pursue a career in politics. Though detailed information about her early education is scarce, her commitment to learning and public service is evident from her political journey.
Political Career
Manda Vijay Mhatre is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and represents the Belapur Assembly Constituency in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. She has been elected as an MLA from Belapur in both 2014 and 2019. She is known for her active involvement in social work and community service.
Major Achievements
First Woman to Win the Best Speaker Award: Manda Mhatre was the first woman to receive the “Member of Legislative Council Best Speaker Award” from the first woman President of India, Smt. Pratibhatai Patil.
Key Political Initiatives
Mhatre has played a critical role in the urban development of Navi Mumbai, particularly in Belapur. Her efforts include advocating for better housing, sanitation, and healthcare facilities. She has been instrumental in ensuring that the constituency receives adequate government funding for various development projects, which has significantly improved the quality of life for residents.
Controversy
Allegations of Instigating False Cases
In May 2023, Manda Mhatre was accused of instigating a woman to file false cases of rape and threat against BJP Airoli MLA Ganesh Naik. The woman later retracted her allegations, claiming she was pressured by Mhatre and Shiv Sena leader Vijay Chougule. Mhatre denied the accusations and requested a high-level inquiry into the matter.
Opposition to Hospital Plan in CRZ Area
Manda Mhatre’s proposal to build a superspeciality hospital and medical college in Belapur’s Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) faced significant opposition from environmentalists and local sports enthusiasts. Critics argued that the project would harm the sensitive coastal environment and disrupt a cricket ground used by the community.
Social Media
Personal Life
Manda Mhatre is married to Vijay Mhatre, who is also a social worker and self-employed. They reside in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Promises and Future Commitments
MLA Manda Mhatre is spearheading an initiative to make Navi Mumbai plastic-free. This effort focuses on reducing plastic waste through awareness campaigns, promoting alternative materials, and encouraging community participation. Mhatre’s initiative aims to tackle environmental issues caused by plastic pollution and improve the city’s sustainability.
MLA Manda Mhatre has unveiled a series of significant development projects for the Belapur constituency during a press conference. Key announcements include:
- Revival of the Road Over Bridge (ROB): The long-stalled ROB project on the Belapur-Sion Panvel Highway will ease traffic congestion by connecting Palm Beach Road with the highway.
- Healthcare Expansion: Plans to enhance healthcare facilities with a new hospital featuring 500 beds, aimed at providing advanced medical services and education.
- Maharashtra Bhavan: Construction of a new facility in Vashi to accommodate residents from across Maharashtra visiting Mumbai for exams and job opportunities.
- Annabhau Sathe Dalit Vasti Yojana: Approval of Rs. 15 crores for this initiative in Belapur.
- Public Development Funding: Allocation of Rs. 2000 crores for various projects in Navi Mumbai, including Diwale Smart Village, and Rs. 20 crores specifically for basic amenities in Belapur village.
- Enhanced Security: Installation of CCTV cameras funded by the MLA Development Fund to improve safety. (NewsBand)
MLA Manda Mhatre has successfully initiated the e-tendering process for the construction of a Super Specialty Hospital in Belapur, with a budget of Rs. 250 crores. This project, located at Plot No. 4, Sec. 15A, is a result of Mhatre’s persistent efforts. She welcomed the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s decision and is hopeful for a swift completion of administrative procedures to begin the construction. Detailed information about the project is available on the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s website.
Under the leadership of MLA Mandatai Mhatre, the groundbreaking ceremony for a new “Multi-Purpose Building” at Meenatai Thackeray Maidan in Vashi Sector-15 was held. Funded with Rs. 2 Crore 26 Lakh from the MLA’s fund, this building will host cultural programs and various social activities, providing numerous facilities under one roof for Vashi’s residents. The project, supported by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation and City Engineer Shirish Aardwad, aims to enhance community engagement and local development.
In Navi Mumbai, MLA Mandatai Mhatre inaugurated a new “Pravasi Nivara Shed” funded with Rs. 20 Lakhs from her MLA fund. Located under the Sion Panvel Bridge in CBD, this shelter provides much-needed seating and protection for passengers using the CBD Konkan Bhavan Bus Station. The facility aims to improve comfort for travelers on the busy Sion Panvel Highway, addressing previous issues where passengers had to endure harsh weather conditions while waiting for their buses. The inauguration was performed by senior citizens Prabhakar Kamble and Balbir Singh Chaudhary.
Videos and Interviews