Ameet Satam Named New BJP Mumbai President, Fadnavis Hails Aggressive Leadership Ahead of BMC Polls

Mumbai: In a major organisational shake-up just months before the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday announced MLA Ameet Satam as the new president of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Mumbai unit.

The move comes soon after the civic body submitted its ward formation blueprint to the Urban Development Department, signalling the beginning of an intense political contest for Asia’s wealthiest municipal corporation.

Satam, 49, who represents the Andheri West assembly constituency, has carved a strong identity as an outspoken voice on civic issues. Elected thrice consecutively as MLA, he previously served as a municipal corporator and has been deeply engaged in city politics for decades. His persistent follow-ups with authorities were instrumental in completing the long-delayed Gokhale bridge reconstruction in Andheri, which had become a burning issue for residents.

Former Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar congratulated Satam through a post on X, describing him as “a dedicated karyakarta, rooted in Konkan culture yet strongly connected with Mumbai’s pulse.” Shelar, who led the party’s city unit for nine years, expressed gratitude to colleagues and citizens for their support during his tenure, stating that the experience gave him “energy, a new identity, and direction in life.”

Fadnavis, while appreciating Shelar’s contribution, highlighted his pivotal role in strengthening the party’s hold in Mumbai, particularly during the 2017 BMC elections. “Ashish Shelar handled Mumbai responsibly and proved BJP as the number one party in the city,” Fadnavis noted.

Turning his focus to Satam, the Chief Minister lauded him as “a studious, aggressive, and imaginative leader with deep knowledge of Mumbai politics.” He further added, “With three terms as MLA, prior experience as corporator, and his dedication to organisational work, we are confident he will lead the Mumbai unit effectively. With the support of senior leaders, Satam will steer the party to ensure Mahayuti’s return to power in the city.”