Early Life and Education
Anil Desai was born on May 2, 1957, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He completed his Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) and Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degrees from Mumbai University. Before entering politics, he worked as a trade unionist and was actively involved in social work.
Political Career
Desai’s journey in politics is marked by a series of influential roles within the Shiv Sena. He initially served as the All India Party Secretary in 2002, later advancing to the role of General Secretary for the Sthaniya Lokadhikar Samiti Mahasangh in 2005. He entered national politics by being elected to the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra in 2012 and was re-elected in 2018. Throughout his tenure in the Rajya Sabha, Desai played a significant role in policy discussions and legislative activities, particularly championing social causes and population control measures.
In 2024, he transitioned to the Lok Sabha, representing the Mumbai South constituency. As a senior member of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), Desai is instrumental in shaping the party’s approach to national issues and internal organization.
Major Achievements
One of Desai’s notable achievements is his introduction of a two-child policy bill in 2020, aiming to encourage smaller families through tax benefits and incentives in education and employment. This initiative received national attention as a bold step toward population control and family planning in India. Desai is also recognized for his administrative skills within Shiv Sena, where he has been key in managing election strategies and party resources, contributing to Shiv Sena’s growth and stability in Maharashtra politics.
Key Political Initiatives
Throughout his political career, Desai has emphasized social welfare, youth empowerment, and sustainable urban development. His proposal for the two-child policy amendment highlighted his dedication to addressing population growth and resource management. Desai has also advocated for urban infrastructure improvements in Mumbai, focusing on addressing issues like congestion, public transport, and affordable housing.
Contributions
Desai has been instrumental in Shiv Sena’s strategic direction and electoral success. His slogan “Utha Maharashtra” (“Wake up, Maharashtra”) became a rallying cry, symbolizing a call for active civic engagement among Maharashtra’s citizens. His work behind the scenes has been vital in maintaining party cohesion and managing resources effectively, making him a trusted leader within the Shiv Sena’s organizational structure.
Social Media
Personal Life
Anil Desai resides in Mumbai with his family. He is married to Priti Desai, and the couple has two daughters, Seema and Rima Desai. Desai’s personal life reflects his dedication to traditional values and a commitment to his roots in Maharashtra.
Controversy
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Dinesh Bobhate, an alleged aide of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Desai, in a money laundering case tied to a previous CBI investigation into Bobhate’s disproportionate assets. Earlier this year, Desai faced questioning over claims from the Eknath Shinde faction that his group misused party funds following Shiv Sena’s split in June 2022.
Promises and Future Commitments
For pending queries related to Railways in my Lok Sabha Constituency Mumbai Railway DRM. A joint meeting was held with On this occasion, various topics related to railways were discussed.
MP Anil Desai visited the site of a significant pothole at Prabhadevi Naka on Savarkar Marg, where locals expressed concerns about frequent accidents caused by the poor road condition. During his visit, Desai directed municipal officials to investigate the situation and address the complaints raised by residents regarding road safety. His proactive approach aims to enhance local infrastructure and ensure the safety of commuters.
MP Anil Desai held a meeting with Dr. Mahendra Kalyankar, CEO of the Slum Redevelopment Authority, to address long-standing issues in redevelopment projects across South Central Mumbai. The discussion focused on stalled projects in areas like Anushaktinagar and Dharavi. Kalyankar assured that actions would be taken within eight days to resolve the raised concerns. The meeting included various stakeholders, emphasizing a collective effort to enhance local development.
MP Anil Desai inaugurated a newly constructed footover bridge connecting Agarwadi village to the Indiranagar railway track through the Mumbai Railway Development Corporation (MRVC). This development aims to enhance safety and accessibility for commuters in the area.
Videos and Interviews