Dr. Rajesh Patil Appointed BJP District President in Navi Mumbai, Known for Advocacy of Project-Affected People

In a major political move, Dr. Rajesh Patil, widely known for advocating the rights of project-affected people (PAPs) in Navi Mumbai, has been named the District President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Dr. Patil has long led campaigns seeking just compensation and rehabilitation for those displaced by infrastructure projects, particularly the Navi Mumbai International Airport.

His elevation to this role has sparked optimism among thousands of displaced families. Over the years, Dr. Patil has led protests, filed petitions, and engaged with officials to press for the concerns of PAPs.

With his new position in the ruling party, his advocacy is expected to gain more attention and policy weight.

Dr. Patil reiterated his commitment to the cause, saying, “This new responsibility will be used to strengthen the voice of the people and ensure justice for every displaced family.”

Alongside his activism, he is also a respected educationist, adding academic depth to his grassroots leadership.

BJP Signals Shift Ahead of Civic Polls

Dr. Patil’s appointment has generated enthusiasm among BJP cadres in Navi Mumbai. Party leaders view his leadership as a new beginning for the local organisation, reflecting the party’s intention to tackle key issues like displacement and urban development.

This decision is being interpreted as a political message to BJP minister Ganesh Naik that he will no longer dominate the party’s affairs in his traditional stronghold, especially with civic elections approaching.

BJP MLA Manda Mhatre, a longtime rival of Naik, publicly felicitated Dr. Patil after the announcement.

Tensions Rise Within the BJP

The choice of Dr. Patil, a close ally of Mhatre, comes at a time when Ganesh Naik’s son, Sandeep Naik, remains expelled from the party. This move is seen as the BJP’s way of maintaining balance in a region once under Naik’s influence.

Despite being made a minister after the Mahayuti alliance retained power, Naik’s former grip on the region, seen during his NCP days, has weakened.

He was denied a ticket from Belapur after joining the BJP in 2019, with Mhatre being nominated instead. Sandeep had withdrawn from Airoli to make way for his father, but even then, the party did not give Naik a ministerial post.

Sandeep Naik’s Fallout and Aftermath

Sandeep Naik, after years of being sidelined, was made BJP Navi Mumbai president in July 2023.

However, he was again denied a ticket in the 2024 elections, with Mhatre retaining her candidacy, while only Ganesh Naik was allowed to contest from Airoli.

Frustrated, Sandeep switched to the NCP (SP) with 25 former corporators, leading to their expulsion.

Though the BJP later revoked the suspensions of the corporators, Sandeep’s return was not granted. Party sources say senior leaders are unwilling to forgive his revolt.

Even though other names from the Naik camp—like Ganesh Naik’s elder son Sanjeev and nephew Sagar—were considered for the district president role, they were overlooked.

Mhatre had consistently recommended Dr. Patil for the post, including during Sandeep’s term, and has now succeeded in securing the appointment. Her supporters have also been inducted into party committees.

Reactions from Allies and Opponents

Dr. Patil’s appointment is seen as strategic, especially in the context of upcoming civic elections. The strained alliance between the Shiv Sena and BJP in Navi Mumbai, driven by differences between Shinde’s faction and Ganesh Naik, appears to have stabilised for now.

Shiv Sena’s Belapur chief, Kishore Patkar, welcomed the decision: “We welcome this appointment as an experienced and loyal person has been appointed to the post. All dadagiri (bullying) will end now and we will have better coordination. We will be glad to contest the civic elections in alliance [with the BJP] now.”

Mhatre praised the move, saying, “The party has given justice to the organisation and not a family. Patil has been working hard for the party for years and deserves the appointment.”

Patil Stresses Unity in the Party

When asked about being preferred over the Naik family, Dr. Patil responded modestly: “I am a very small party worker. I am sure my appointment has been decided after taking both the minister and the MLA into confidence. It is all about working for the organisation together, forgetting all differences and competitions.”

Ganesh Naik has not yet issued any public statement on Dr. Patil’s appointment.