THE DEBUTANTS | EX-RAJYA SABHA MPS
ANIL DESAI, 66
SS (UBT) | Mumbai South Central, Maharashtra
A two-term MP in the upper house, Desai’s affable self sets him aside from the archetypal Shiv Sainik. Yet, the party veteran was a crucial backroom strategist for the undivided Shiv Sena. A former employee of the New India Assurance Company, Desai heads the Sthaniya Lokadhikar Hakka Mahasangh, the Sena’s union for whitecollar workers. Originally from Canacona in Goa, Desai is a close confidant of party chief Uddhav Thackeray, and was chosen to take on two-term Sena MP Rahul Shewale of the Shinde faction. It proved a wise choice, though the win was aided by overwhelming Muslim and Christian support.
PIYUSH GOYAL, 60
BJP | Mumbai North, Maharashtra
This story is from the July 22, 2024 edition of India Today.
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This story is from the July 22, 2024 edition of India Today.
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