Early Life and Education
Yogesh Amrutlal Sagar was born on October 4, 1962, in Kandivali, Mumbai. He completed his education up to the 12th grade and is known for his involvement in business and social work.
Political Career
Yogesh Sagar has been a dedicated member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since the start of his political career. Before becoming an MLA, Sagar was a two-time corporator in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), where he developed a reputation for his active involvement in local governance.
He first entered the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in 2009, representing the Charkop constituency. He has since been re-elected multiple times, establishing himself as a significant leader within the party. In 2019, he was appointed Minister of State for Urban Development in the Government of Maharashtra, a position that enabled him to influence policy in urban areas like Mumbai.
Major Achievements
Sagar’s political achievements include being recognized as the best MLA in Mumbai for two consecutive years by the NGO Praja Foundation. His dedication to improving infrastructure and housing societies has been a standout feature of his tenure. For instance, Sagar played a vital role in addressing cooperative housing society issues, especially regarding deemed conveyance(Lokatantra).
Additionally, Sagar set up a technical advisory committee for dangerous buildings in Thane, helping secure basic amenities such as water for residents of various areas. His proactive approach during crises, such as donating Rs. 5 lakh to families affected by the Malad wall collapse, further emphasizes his commitment to his constituents.
Key Political Initiatives
One of Sagar’s notable initiatives includes working on the infrastructure near Kandivali West railway station, improving commuter safety by covering drains and facilitating smoother passage from the station to bus stops.
His tenure as an urban development minister also allowed him to tackle housing and infrastructure issues across the city.
BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar raised concerns in the Legislative Assembly about the growth of multi-storied slums in Mumbai, emphasizing the safety risks associated with these illegal constructions. Representing Charkop, Sagar criticized the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for failing to act despite numerous assurances. He highlighted that promises to address these unsafe buildings have been made around 66,000 times without resolution, urging for decisive action.
Controversy
Traffic Regulation Dispute
In February 2022, a video of Yogesh Sagar arguing with the police over traffic regulations went viral. The incident occurred when the police had barricaded several key roads in anticipation of a Congress rally. The video was falsely shared with a communal twist, claiming that Sagar was protesting against road closures for Namaz. However, fact-checks clarified that the argument was solely about public inconvenience due to the barricades.
Suspension of BJP MLAs
In July 2021, Yogesh Sagar, along with 11 other BJP MLAs, was suspended from the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly for a year. The suspension was due to allegations of abusing and manhandling the “speaker in chair” Bhaskar Jadhav. The Supreme Court later set aside this suspension.
Social Media
Questions Raised In Assembly
MLA Yogesh Sagar raised a question in the Assembly about food subsidies for cow sheds and expressed gratitude for the Hon’ble Minister’s positive response.
MLA Yogesh Sagar demanded justice for Mumbai residents by calling for the immediate cancellation of the NA tax on buildings in the city.
MLA Yogesh Sagar raised questions and offered suggestions in the Legislative Assembly regarding the redevelopment of dilapidated buildings in Mumbai’s suburbs.
Personal Life:
Sagar hails from a business family in Kandivali, Mumbai. His father’s name is Amrutlal Sagar. He is married, with his spouse being a housewife. Despite holding high political office, Sagar’s focus on local issues and his continuous presence in his constituency have won him loyal support.
Promises and Future Commitments:
BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar from Charkop successfully raised funds to support the redevelopment of a charitable hospital. Facing a Rs 3 crore shortfall, Sagar received substantial financial help from his community, including Rs 50 lakh from a local donor and Rs 1 crore from a supporter in Dubai. Sagar personally traveled to Dubai to secure these funds and managed the financial needs without leveraging his political connections. His efforts are part of a broader commitment to redevelop Suvarna Nursing Home, which had been a crucial healthcare facility but had fallen into disrepair.
BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar has written to BMC Administrator Iqbal Singh Chahal about the unequal water distribution in Mumbai, which causes significant problems every May. Sagar has suggested that water be distributed based on population density and requested a discussion with Guardian Minister Aditya Thackeray. He has been raising this issue since 2000 and is eager to assist in resolving it.
BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar has requested BMC Commissioner Iqbal Chahal to extend the operating hours of ‘Aapla Dawakhana’ dispensaries. Sagar proposes that these centers remain open until 10 pm on weekdays and until noon on Sundays, to accommodate residents who work late and need access to medical services.
Following directives from Union Minister Piyush Goyal, BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar inspected the additional roadwork connecting Janakalyan Nagar to New Link Road in Charkop. This new route is set to improve and expedite access to the Western Expressway.
BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar has emphasized the need for road widening to address traffic congestion and improve pedestrian convenience. He plans to meet with the municipal commissioner to ensure that affected citizens and shopkeepers receive alternative accommodations and practical compensation during the road expansion process.