Ahead of BMC polls, 3-term MLA Ameet Satam named new Mumbai BJP chief

Three-term MLA Ameet Satam has been chosen as the new president of the Mumbai Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadanavis said on Monday.

The development comes ahead of polls to the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), likely to be held later this year.

Fadnavis expressed hope that under Satam's leadership, the BJP will reclaim power in the BMC.

Satam, 49, has been representing Andheri West assembly constituency in Mumbai for three consecutive terms.

Talking to reporters at the state BJP headquarters here, Fadnavis said during the Maharashtra assembly polls last year, the party recorded a significant victory and asserted its dominance in Mumbai under the leadership of (outgoing) city unit chief Ashish Shelar.

"With Shelar having taken on ministerial responsibilities in the cabinet, it was necessary to appoint a new president for the Mumbai unit. Following discussions at the state-level led by (Maharashtra BJP) president Ravindra Chavan and senior leaders, Ameet Satam has been chosen for the post," he said.

The CM said Satam has been with the BJP for a long time and served in several important roles over the years.

"He is recognised as both a learned and assertive legislator. Satam is familiar with the pressing issues of Mumbai and has demonstrated the knack required to tackle them," the senior BJP leader said.

"I am confident that under his leadership, the BJP will maintain its winning momentum in the upcoming civic elections, and I believe we will reclaim power in the BMC," Fadnavis said.

The CM further said that with the backing of senior leaders from Mumbai and the state, he expects the BJP to set new records in the city civic body polls.