Personal Profile:
- Name: Captain R Tamil Selvan
- Age: 61 years old (as of 2024)
- Party Affiliation: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- Position: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Sion Koliwada, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Birthplace: Palaviduthi, near Karambakudi in Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu
- Residence: Room No 604, Building No 10/B, Avantika CHS Ltd, Kalpak Estate, SM Road, Antop Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra- 400037
- Education: 11th pass from Government Higher Secondary School, Alangudi, Tamil Nadu, in 1977
- Profession: Social Worker, Builder, and Contractor
- Contact: Phone: 09820058128 (accuracy not verified)
Biographical Overview:
Early Life and Migration:
Captain R Tamil Selvan, often referred to as "Captain," hails from a small village in Tamil Nadu. He migrated to Mumbai in 1978, where he started as a railway parcel contractor at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST). His nickname "Captain" stems from his leadership roles in various community and political activities.
Political Career:
- Municipal Corporation: Selvan's political journey began in 2011 when he was elected as a corporator in the Greater Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), one of the few Tamil representatives.
- MLA: He was first elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from the Sion Koliwada constituency in 2014, becoming the only Tamil MLA in Maharashtra at the time. He has successfully retained his seat in the 2019 and 2024 elections, securing a hat-trick of wins.
Notable Events and Contributions:
- 26/11 Mumbai Attacks: During the 2008 attacks, Selvan, then a railway parcel contractor, played a crucial role in saving approximately 36 lives by helping transport injured people from CST to St. George's Hospital. His bravery earned him felicitation from the Governor of Mumbai and a citation from the Railways.
- Development Work: He attributes his electoral success to his focus on development, particularly in providing essential services like water, electricity, and infrastructure improvements in his constituency, which is predominantly composed of slums.
Recent News and Controversies:
- Electoral Victory: In the 2024 elections, Selvan secured his third consecutive term by defeating Congress candidate Ganesh Kumar Yadav with a margin of 7,800 votes. He described this election as his most challenging due to the opposition's financial influence but credited his victory to his developmental work over the years.
- Convictions and Legal Issues:
- Assault on Civic Officials: In 2023, Selvan was convicted along with four others for unlawful assembly, rioting, and assaulting Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials and police personnel during a 2017 protest against the disconnection of utilities to allegedly dilapidated buildings. They were sentenced to six months in jail, which was suspended pending an appeal. He was fined Rs 13,500.
- Public Image Concerns: Selvan has claimed that charges against him were meant to tarnish his image, especially in the context of the assault case.
- Land Allocation Controversy: In October 2024, Selvan facilitated a quick approval for land to be handed over to the Veer Savarkar Trust for educational purposes, despite the trust not meeting the state's criteria. This decision has sparked discussions on favoritism and the use of political influence in land allocation decisions.
Public Perception:
Selvan is known for his grassroots approach, being accessible to his constituency, and focusing on development issues. However, his involvement in legal cases has led to mixed perceptions among the public regarding his conduct. His work in diverse communities within Sion Koliwada, described as a "mini India," has been both praised and critiqued, particularly by different demographic segments within his constituency.
Conclusion:
Captain R Tamil Selvan's career reflects a blend of community service, political acumen, and controversy. His tenure as an MLA has been marked by significant contributions to his constituency's development alongside notable legal challenges, shaping his public and political persona in Mumbai's complex political landscape.
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