Mumbai: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Maharashtra minister Raj K Purohit passed away on Saturday following an illness. He was 71. Purohit, a prominent voice for north Indian communities in Mumbai, breathed his last at a private hospital in the city, leaving behind a legacy of grassroots engagement and political leadership.
Purohit had been a well-known figure in Mumbai’s BJP circles, serving in multiple capacities over his decades-long political career. He had held the posts of city president of the BJP, minister in the Maharashtra government, and chief whip of the party in the state assembly between 2014 and 2019. His influence in south Mumbai and his close connection with migrant communities made him a respected and popular leader in the city.
Political Career and Contributions
Raj K Purohit’s political journey was marked by his dedication to public service and his connection with ordinary citizens, particularly the north Indian migrant population in Mumbai. Known as a “messiah” of migrant tenants, he worked consistently to improve living conditions and advocate for the rights of underrepresented communities in the metropolis.
Beginning as a municipal corporator, Purohit rose through the ranks of the BJP, eventually becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and later a minister in the state government. As chief whip of the BJP in the Maharashtra assembly from 2014 to 2019, he was instrumental in maintaining party discipline and coordinating legislative strategy.
Despite his influence and longstanding service, Purohit was denied a ticket in the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, a decision that curtailed his formal political tenure but did not diminish his continued involvement in party affairs.
Reactions and Tributes
His death has been widely mourned across political and social circles in Maharashtra. Party leaders have described his passing as an irreparable loss for both the BJP and the broader political landscape of the state.
BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde paid tribute to Purohit, calling him a “popular public representative deeply connected with the people.” Tawde highlighted Purohit’s work for the upliftment of migrant tenants and his enduring influence in Mumbai politics.
“From a Mumbai municipal corporator to an MLA and a minister in the Maharashtra assembly, my friend Raj Purohit dedicated his life to serving the public. His demise is an irreparable loss for the BJP in Maharashtra and for me personally,” Tawde said in a post on X. “I pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family and admirers.”
Legacy and Family
Purohit’s political legacy continues through his family. In the recently concluded Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, his son, Akash Purohit, successfully won from ward number 221, signaling the continuation of the family’s involvement in Mumbai politics.
Throughout his career, Raj Purohit was widely regarded as a bridge between the party leadership and grassroots workers, and his ability to address the concerns of ordinary citizens helped consolidate the BJP’s presence in key areas of Mumbai. Party colleagues remember him as erudite, approachable, and committed to public service, with a reputation for addressing the challenges of the city’s diverse population.
Mourning and Final Rites
The mortal remains of Raj K Purohit will be kept for paying homage at Rajhans Building on Marine Drive, Mumbai, on Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm. Political leaders, party members, and citizens are expected to pay their respects, commemorating a life dedicated to public service and political engagement.
As Maharashtra grapples with his passing, Purohit’s life is being remembered not just for the offices he held, but for the impact he had on communities often overlooked in the urban landscape of Mumbai. His contributions to the city’s political and social fabric, particularly among migrant tenants and north Indian communities, have left a lasting imprint.
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