Early Life and Education
Murlidhar Kisan Mohol was born on November 9, 1974, in Mulshi taluka, Pune, Maharashtra. His family moved to Pune in 1985, settling in Kothrud. Coming from a family of wrestlers, Mohol took up wrestling during his school years and pursued formal training in Kolhapur while continuing his education. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Shivaji University.
Political Career
Mohol’s political journey began as a corporator in Pune in 2002, marking the start of his steady rise within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was elected as Pune’s Mayor in 2019, where he gained popularity for his approachable leadership and involvement in local issues. After his tenure as Mayor, Mohol contested and won a seat as a Member of Parliament in 2024, defeating Congress candidate Ravindra Dhangekar. This victory underscored his reputation as a significant political figure within Maharashtra and highlighted the BJP’s stronghold in Pune.
Ministerial Role and Achievements
In recognition of his leadership, Mohol was appointed Minister of State in the Modi administration. As a first-time BJP MP, his promotion to the ministerial role demonstrates the party’s confidence in his abilities to bridge local and national concerns, especially for the industrially and commercially vital region of Pune. His tenure as mayor saw several initiatives that improved urban infrastructure and public amenities in Pune, earning him praise for his proactive governance.
Key Political Initiatives and Contributions
During his term as mayor, Mohol launched a series of initiatives focused on urban development, sanitation, and infrastructure, with a special emphasis on sustainable urban solutions. Under his guidance, Pune undertook projects that improved waste management, public transportation, and green spaces. As MP, he has prioritized projects that focus on improving the living conditions of his constituents, emphasizing job creation and infrastructure upgrades. These initiatives align with his agenda to drive Pune’s development as a sustainable and progressive city.
Public Engagement
Promises and Work
Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol has directed Pune’s municipal authorities to tackle pothole issues swiftly amid ongoing monsoon damage. He advised each of the 15 city wards to form dedicated teams to expedite repairs and improve traffic flow. Mohol assured residents that critical infrastructure projects, such as the Sinhagad Road flyover near Rajaram Bridge, would proceed without delay. (Hindustan Times)
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol announced that the Navi Mumbai International Airport is on track to begin operations by March 2025. He emphasized its significance for improving connectivity across Mumbai, Pune, and the western Maharashtra region, with an expected capacity to handle around 20 million passengers annually. Mohol also noted plans to address compensation issues for those affected by the project and supported naming the airport after the late DB Patil. (Business Standard)
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol announced that Solapur-Mumbai flights would begin soon, following approval of the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under the UDAN scheme. After discussing the financial challenges with airlines, he secured state government support from Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis to subsidize the route, making the service viable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the revamped Solapur Airport, which will boost tourism and business with its annual capacity of 4.1 lakh passengers. (FPJ)
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