Narendra Mehta is an Indian politician. He is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He served in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.[1] Mehta represents the Mira Bhayandar constituency.[2]

Narendra Mehta
Maharashtra Legislative Assembly
In office
2014–2019
Succeeded byGeeta Bharat Jain
Personal details
Born (1972-09-25) 25 September 1972 (age 52)
Desuri,Pali,Rajasthan
Political partyBharatiya Janata Party
Spousesuman mehta
Children2
EducationOur Lady of Nazareth High School
Alma materOur Lady of Nazareth High School
OccupationPolitician
Professionconstruction hotel school
Websitenarendramehta.com

Personal life

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Mehta was born in a Marwadi middle-class family on 25 September 1972. A school dropout of 8th standard, Mehta went on to join politics and become the mayor of Mira-Bhayander Municipal corporation.[3]

Political career

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His efforts, alongside those of other political leaders, have been focused on enhancing connectivity and easing transportation woes for residents.

The Metro 9 line, which will connect Dahisar to Bhayandar, is part of a broader initiative to improve public transportation in Mumbai. The project, which began construction nine months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, is expected to significantly reduce travel time and congestion in the area. This 10.41 km-long elevated corridor will feature nine stations and is being developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).[4]

Mehta's advocacy for the metro project highlights his commitment to the development and modernization of Mira Bhayandar, aiming to transform the region into a more accessible and commuter-friendly area.[5]

Controversies

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Narendra Mehta has been embroiled in multiple controversies, including allegations of harassment, rape, corruption, and illegal environmental encroachments.[6]

Harassment of BJP corporator Neela Soans

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In February 2020, BJP corporator Neela Soans[7] from Mira-Bhayander accused fellow party member and former MLA Narendra Mehta of harassment and exploitation. According to her allegations, Mehta threatened her for refusing to follow his directives, which she claimed were unethical. Soans reported that she faced continuous mental harassment and was pressured to act against her principles, ultimately compromising her integrity and role as a corporator.[8]

Rape and Sexual Assault Charges

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In February 2020, a BJP corporator from Mira Road filed a rape case against former BJP MLA Narendra Mehta.[9] The allegations included sexual assault and harassment, leading to significant media coverage and controversy within the party. The case added to the ongoing scrutiny of political figures and their conduct.[10]

Corruption Charges

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Former BJP MLA Narendra Mehta faces allegations of corruption and possession of disproportionate assets amounting to Rs 8 crore. A Thane court criticized Mehta for what it deemed a "mischievous" complaint in the corruption case.[11] This has led to significant scrutiny and legal action against Mehta, implicating him in a high-profile scandal.[12]

Illegal hacking of mangroves

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The illegal hacking of mangroves by a Mumbai BJP MLA involves the alleged conversion of 3.5 acres of mangrove land[13] into a posh club. This act prompted legal action, with a case being filed against the ex-MLA Narendra Mehta, and subsequently shifted to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW). The incident highlights the environmental concerns and legal repercussions associated with encroachments on mangrove ecosystems.[14]

Lamborghini Accident

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The Lamborghini accident involving the son of a former BJP MLA raises concerns about rash driving and potential misuse of political influence.[15] Critics argue that the incident underscores issues of privilege and irresponsible behavior among the political elite. This incident has sparked debates about accountability and justice, particularly in cases involving individuals with political connections.[16]

1.5 kg of gold and other diamond jewellery

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The controversy surrounding former BJP MLA Narendra Mehta revolves around allegations of amassing disproportionate assets. In May 2022, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) discovered a Lamborghini, 1.5 kg of gold, and diamond jewelry at his residence.[17] This discovery raised suspicions regarding the source of his wealth, leading to his arrest and subsequent rejection of bail in June 2022.[18]

Disproportionate assets of more than Rs. 8.25 crore

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In 2022, former BJP MLA Narendra Mehta and his wife came under scrutiny for allegedly possessing disproportionate assets exceeding Rs. 8.25 crore. This led to investigations by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Thane.[19] The controversy emerged from allegations of their assets being significantly disproportionate to their known sources of income.[20]

Career

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Narendra Mehta joined politics in 1997. He was a member of the municipal corporation and later went on to become the Mayor. As a businessman Mehta is into several businesses including construction, education and healthcare.[21] In 2002, he was arrested in relation to a corruption charge. Later after a 14 year legal battle in 2016, he was acquitted of all charges by the court after prosecution failed to produce evidences beyond doubt in the court.[22] In 2017, there was a buzz when he gifted his wife Suman an expensive luxury car on her birthday. Mehta again found himself at the centre of political attention after Mrs Mehta hit the car into an auto while driving. Fortunately no one was hurt in the incident.[3][23]

Later again in 2017, Mehta and five Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation officers were booked in a Rs 2 Crore extortion case against a builder. The case is currently under investigation.[24]

On 28 February, he and 200 others were booked for rioting in Thane four days earlier.[25] Mehta and the other rioters had staged a protest in front of a local police station and then moved to the home of Vasant Mane, where Mehta threatened him and his family. Mehta and the rioters then proceeded to ransack Mane's house. He is also owner of Seven Eleven group.

In 2019 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly election, he lost to Geeta Bharat Jain by about 15,535 votes.[26]

On 24 February 2020, Narendra Mehta quits BJP from all post and also apologize to Other party leaders.[27]

Positions held

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References

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  1. ^ "Narendra Mehta of BJP WINS the Mira bhayandar constituency Maharastra Assembly Election 2014". Newsreporter.in. Archived from the original on 23 April 2016. Retrieved 15 April 2016.
  2. ^ "Mira Bhayandar Maharashtra Assembly Constituency Elections". Elections.in. Retrieved 15 April 2016.
  3. ^ a b "MLA ने पत्नी को गिफ्ट की 5.5 करोड़ की लिम्बोर्गनी कार, पत्नी ने किया ऐसा कि मच गया बवाल". www.patrika.com (in Hindi). 2 November 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2019.
  4. ^ Metro 9 project kick starts nine months after its inauguration, mumbailive.com, retrieved 28 July 2024
  5. ^ Will extend Metro network to Mira-Bhayandar and airport: Maha CM Devendra Fadnavis, hindustantimes.com, 30 March 2017
  6. ^ "Six things to know about BJP MLA, whose wife slammed Lamborghini into auto". hindustantimes.com. 31 August 2016. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  7. ^ "BJP corporator Neela Soans accuses Narendra Mehta of threatening her". Midday. 26 February 2020.
  8. ^ "Mira-Bhayander BJP corporator Neela Soans accuses Narendra Mehta of harrasment, exploitation". Mumbai Mirror. 26 February 2020.
  9. ^ "Mira Road BJP corporator files rape case against party's ex-MLA Narendra Mehta". Times of India. 28 February 2020.
  10. ^ "Former BJP MLA booked for rape". The Hindu. 29 February 2020.
  11. ^ "'Mischievous': Thane Court Slams BJP Ex-MLA Narendra Mehta Over Complaint In Corruption Case". Free Press Journal. 7 May 2024.
  12. ^ "Thane: Rs 8 crore disproportionate assets case against former Mira-Bhayander BJP MLA Narendra Mehta". Times of India. 19 May 2024.
  13. ^ "Mumbai: BJP MLA 'killed' 3.5 acres of mangroves to raise posh club". DNA India. 18 July 2019.
  14. ^ "Mumbai: Case against ex-MLA for 'club on mangroves' shifted to EOW". Times Of India. 7 February 2021.
  15. ^ "Mumbai: Ex-BJP MLA's Son Crashes Lamborghini Into Railing On Bandra Worli Sea Link, Booked". India.com. 3 September 2023.
  16. ^ "Lamborghini Hits Railings On Mumbai Bridge, Ex MLA's Son Behind Wheel". NDTV. 2 September 2023.
  17. ^ "ACB finds Lamborghini, gold and diamond jewellery at former MLA's house". Hindustan Times. 22 May 2022.
  18. ^ "Disproportionate Asset Case: Thane Court rejects bail plea of ex-BJP MLA Narendra Mehta". Free Press Journal. 1 June 2022.
  19. ^ "Maharashtra: BJP ex-MLA Narendra Mehta, wife booked for 'disproportionate assets' worth Rs 8 cr". Indian Express. 24 May 2022.
  20. ^ "Thane: ACB probe against ex-MLA points to assets of Rs 8.25 crore".
  21. ^ "Six things to know about BJP MLA, whose wife slammed Lamborghini into auto". Hindustan Times. 31 August 2016. Retrieved 12 September 2019.
  22. ^ "BJP MLA Narendra Mehta acquitted of bribery charges". The Economic Times. 8 November 2016. Retrieved 12 September 2019.
  23. ^ "Mrs Mehta couldn't tame the Lamborghini". Rediff. Retrieved 12 September 2019.
  24. ^ "extortion case: BJP legislator booked in Rs 2crore extortion case". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
  25. ^ "BJP MLA booked for rioting". India Today. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
  26. ^ "Maharashtra BJP Rebel Geeta Jain Who Won From Mira Bhayandar Meets BVA Chief". News18. 27 October 2019. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
  27. ^ "Mira-Bhayandar Ex-MLA Narendra Mehta Quits BJP and Politics". Tu13Dekh. 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  28. ^ "BJP MLA blurts out party has alliance with NCP in assembly". Mid-day.com. 17 November 2014. Retrieved 15 April 2016.
  29. ^ "Narendra Mehta of the BJP, MLA from Mira-Bhayandar". Indianexpress.com. 22 March 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2016.