‘Dabang’ candidate rues dirty politics
As a ward officer, Mr Shiroorkar used to routinely mark illegitimate or shaky structures for demolition but was met with stiff resistance.
Mumbai: A retired assistant municipal commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Udaykumar Shiroorkar, who had declared last week that he would contest the Assembly poll from Mumbadevi, claimed on Sunday that he has become a victim of dirty politics.
Mr Shiroorkar had worked in the BMC’s B and C ward offices, which comprise Masjid, Pydhonie, Dongri and Bhendi Bazaar — which fall under the Mumbadevi constituency, for 32 years.
“My nomination form was accepted by the Election Commission on Friday and since the following morning, I have received calls from parties’ supporters stating that either I am contesting the elections to divide their votes or that I am being supported by some party or the other. All this happening only because I am very well aware of all illegal happenings of the area,” Mr Shiroorkar said.
No stranger to threat calls from unknown numbers, the 59-year-old Mr Shirookar is renowned as a ‘dabang’ officer who demolished illegal constructions in Masjid and Dongri. In fact, he was the only BMC officer with a licensed pistol and a police security cover since May 2016.
As a ward officer, Mr Shiroorkar used to routinely mark illegitimate or shaky structures for demolition but was met with stiff resistance.
In addition to this, he has worked relentlessly to educate class IV civic staff and his social activities have won people’s hearts in the locality, which will prove beneficial come polling day.
“I decided to contest as an Independent candidate because being in the system will speed up my social work. I am very well aware of all civic problems and solutions in these areas. Whoever believes in me will vote for me. I am not supporting any political party. I am not a politician but a social worker,” the former civic body official added.