In the eastern Mumbai suburb of Ghatkopar till a decade ago, Ram Kadam was known as a peon in late BJP leader Pramod Mahajan’s office. Today, Kadam is an MLA and an influential real estate developer. Kadam is the newest in the league of politicians who rose to the corridors of power from very humble backgrounds. NCP leaders Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare and Congress leader Patangrao Kadam and Kripashankar Singh are the other prominent members of this league. By Kiran Tare
Chhagan Bhujbal 67, NCP
Declared Asset Rs 20.30 crore
The fiery leader once sold vegetables at a Byculla market. A dedicated Shiv Sena worker for almost three decades, he became the party’s first mayor of Mumbai. In 1993, he joined Congress, before switching to NCP in 1999.
Bhujbal heads Mumbai Educational Trust, one of the city’s biggest educational institutes. His MLA son Pankaj and former MP nephew Sameer have interests in real estate. Bhujbal stands accused of nepotism though he claims he has nothing to do with his kin’s business interests. Bhujbal is contesting the Assembly election from Yeola.
Patangrao Kadam 70, Congress
Declared Asset Rs 26.40 crore
The education baron from Sangli struggled a lot in his school days. The family was so poor that Kadam had to share his uniform with his brother. He started his political innings with Congress and remained loyal to the party.
He founded Bharati University, one of the state’s biggest deemed varsities. About 25 lakh students are affiliated with his institute. There are allegations of nepotism against him as well. He promoted son Vishwajeet into politics and allegedly asked Bharati University staff to campaign for him. He is contesting from Palus in Sangli.
Sunil Tatkare 57, NCP
Declared Asset Rs 9.20 crore
The state NCP president is known to be close to Ajit Pawar. Tatkare’s father used to run a small rice mill in Roha near Mumbai. He started his political career under the guidance of senior Congress leader A R Antulay.
Tatkare was in the eye of the alleged irrigation scam worth Rs 26,000 crore. He claims he was given a clean chit in the case. He also attracted controversy when it became clear that his son and daughter had set up dubious companies to hide money transactions worth of crores of rupees. He is an MLC and has fielded a nephew in his place from Shriwardhan.
Kripashankar Singh 64, Congress
Declared Asset Rs 2.56 crore
A native of UP’s Jaunpur, Singh used to sell onions and potatoes on a cart in Santa Cruz four decades ago. He joined Congress in the 1970s and soon became a close confidant of then state Congress president Pratibha Patil and subsequently an MLA. Now, Singh is the one of the most trusted of the high command.
Singh is facing an inquiry by the Anti-Corruption Bureau in a disproportionate assets case. He is accused of hiding his real income and amassing “benami” properties in the name of his kin. He is contesting from Kalina.
Ram Kadam 42, BJP
Declared Asset Rs 27.50 crore
Kadam came into limelight in 2009 after announcing a reward of Rs 25 lakh for anyone who broke the year’s highest dahi handi in Mumbai. Till then, some knew him as a peon in late Pramod Mahajan’s office. Kadam sensed the changed political scenario and joined MNS that year. Ironically, he became MLA by defeating Mahajan’s daughter Poonam.
Kadam has interests in real estate but is mainly known for beating officials over petty issues. He was suspended twice from the Assembly. Now he has joined BJP and is contesting from Ghatkopar (West).