Narendra Mehta
{{Short description|Indian politician}}
{{POV|date=August 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| image =
| office = Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly
| term_start = 2024
| term_end =
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| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1972|09|25}}
| birth_place = Desuri, Pali, Rajasthan
| occupation = Politician
| children = 2
| party = Bharatiya Janata Party
| alma_mater = Our Lady of Nazareth High School
| profession = construction hotel school
| spouse = Suman Mehta
| website = {{URL|https://narendralmehta.com/}}
| education = Our Lady of Nazareth High School
}}
Narendra Mehta is an Indian politician.{{cite news |title=Who is Narendra Mehta? Meet BJP candidate from Mira Bhayandar who lost to Geeta Jain in 2019 Maharashtra polls |url=https://www.livemint.com/elections/assembly-elections/who-is-narendra-mehta-meet-bjp-candidate-from-mira-bhayandar-who-lost-to-geeta-jain-in-2019-maharashtra-polls-11730199582064.html |access-date=25 December 2024 |publisher=Mint |date=29 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225065158/https://www.livemint.com/elections/assembly-elections/who-is-narendra-mehta-meet-bjp-candidate-from-mira-bhayandar-who-lost-to-geeta-jain-in-2019-maharashtra-polls-11730199582064.html |archive-date=25 December 2024 |language=en}} He is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He serves in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.{{cite web | url=https://www.newsreporter.in/narendra-mehta-of-bjp-wins-the-mira-bhayandar-constituency-maharastra-maharastra-assembly-election-2014-549025 | title=Narendra Mehta of BJP WINS the Mira bhayandar constituency Maharastra Assembly Election 2014 | website=Newsreporter.in | accessdate=15 April 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423080829/https://www.newsreporter.in/narendra-mehta-of-bjp-wins-the-mira-bhayandar-constituency-maharastra-maharastra-assembly-election-2014-549025 | archive-date=23 April 2016 | url-status=dead }} Mehta represents the Mira Bhayandar constituency.{{cite web | url=http://www.elections.in/maharashtra/assembly-constituencies/mira-bhayandar.html | title=Mira Bhayandar Maharashtra Assembly Constituency Elections | website=Elections.in | accessdate=15 April 2016}}
Personal life
Mehta was born in a Marwadi middle-class family on 25 September 1972. A school dropout of 8th standard, Mehta went on to enter politics and become the mayor of Mira-Bhayander Municipal corporation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.patrika.com/mumbai-news/bjp-mla-narendra-mehta-gifts-wife-suman-a-lamborghini-car-hits-an-auto-on-1st-ride-3325/|title=MLA ने पत्नी को गिफ्ट की 5.5 करोड़ की लिम्बोर्गनी कार, पत्नी ने किया ऐसा कि मच गया बवाल|website=www.patrika.com|date=2 November 2015 |language=hindi|access-date=2019-09-12}}
Political career
His efforts, alongside those of other political leaders, have been focused on enhancing connectivity and easing transportation woes for residents.
The Metro 9 line, which will connect Dahisar to Bhayandar, is part of a broader initiative to improve public transportation in Mumbai. The project, which began construction nine months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, is expected to significantly reduce travel time and congestion in the area. This 10.40 km-long elevated corridor will feature nine stations and is being developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).[https://www.mumbailive.com/en/infrastructure/mira-bhayandar-metro-work-finally-started-after-nine-months-39478#google_vignette Metro 9 project kick starts nine months after its inauguration], mumbailive.com, retrieved 28 July 2024
Mehta's advocacy for the metro project highlights his commitment to the development and modernization of Mira Bhayandar, aiming to transform the region into a more accessible and commuter-friendly area.[https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/will-extend-metro-network-to-mira-bhayandar-and-airport-maha-cm-devendra-fadnavis/story-yzlk0sIQ7srIKDDiIK3wRJ.html Will extend Metro network to Mira-Bhayandar and airport: Maha CM Devendra Fadnavis], hindustantimes.com, 30 March 2017
Controversies
Narendra Mehta has been embroiled in multiple controversies, including allegations of harassment, rape, corruption, and illegal environmental encroachments.{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/six-things-to-know-about-bjp-mla-whose-wife-slammed-lamborghini-into-auto/story-hWXTZn442r8rdgtUXRF3pN.html |title=Six things to know about BJP MLA, whose wife slammed Lamborghini into auto |website=hindustantimes.com |date=31 August 2016 |access-date=28 July 2024}}
= Harassment of BJP corporator Neela Soans =
In February 2020, BJP corporator Neela Soans{{cite news |title=BJP corporator Neela Soans accuses Narendra Mehta of threatening her |url=https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-mira-bhayander-bjp-corporator-neela-soans-accuses-narendra-mehta-of-threatening-her-22644230 |work=Midday |date=26 February 2020}} from Mira-Bhayander accused fellow party member and former MLA Narendra Mehta of harassment and exploitation. According to her allegations, Mehta threatened her for refusing to follow his directives, which she claimed were unethical. Soans reported that she faced continuous mental harassment and was pressured to act against her principles, ultimately compromising her integrity and role as a corporator.{{cite news |title=Mira-Bhayander BJP corporator Neela Soans accuses Narendra Mehta of harassment, exploitation |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/mira-bhayander-bjp-corporator-neela-soans-accuses-narendra-mehta-of-harassment-exploitation/articleshow/74312474.cms |work=Mumbai Mirror |date=26 February 2020 |access-date=4 December 2024}}
= Rape and Sexual Assault Charges =
In February 2020, a BJP corporator from Mira Road filed a rape case against former BJP MLA Narendra Mehta.{{cite news |title=Mira Road BJP corporator files rape case against party's ex-MLA Narendra Mehta |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/mira-road-bjp-corporator-files-rape-case-against-partys-ex-mla-narendra-mehta/articleshow/74379308.cms |work=Times of India |date=28 February 2020}} The allegations included sexual assault and harassment, leading to significant media coverage and controversy within the party. The case added to the ongoing scrutiny of political figures and their conduct.{{cite news |title=Former BJP MLA booked for rape |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/former-bjp-mla-booked-for-rape/article30946827.ece |work=The Hindu |date=29 February 2020}}
= Corruption Charges =
Former BJP MLA Narendra Mehta faces allegations of corruption and possession of disproportionate assets amounting to Rs 8 crore. A Thane court criticized Mehta for what it deemed a "mischievous" complaint in the corruption case.{{cite news |title='Mischievous': Thane Court Slams BJP Ex-MLA Narendra Mehta Over Complaint In Corruption Case |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mischievous-thane-court-slams-bjp-ex-mla-narendra-mehta-over-complaint-in-corruption-case |work=Free Press Journal |date=7 May 2024}} This has led to significant scrutiny and legal action against Mehta, implicating him in a high-profile scandal.{{cite news |title=Thane: Rs 8 crore disproportionate assets case against former Mira-Bhayander BJP MLA Narendra Mehta |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/thane-rs-8-crore-disproportionate-assets-case-against-former-mira-bhayander-bjp-mla-narendra-mehta/articleshow/91669675.cms |work=Times of India |date=19 May 2024}}
= Illegal hacking of mangroves =
The illegal hacking of mangroves by a Mumbai BJP MLA involves the alleged conversion of 3.5 acres of mangrove land{{cite news |title=Mumbai: BJP MLA 'killed' 3.5 acres of mangroves to raise posh club |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-mumbai-bjp-mla-killed-35-acres-of-mangroves-to-raise-posh-club-2773140 |work=DNA India |date=18 July 2019}} into a posh club. This act prompted legal action, with a case being filed against the ex-MLA Narendra Mehta, and subsequently shifted to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW). The incident highlights the environmental concerns and legal repercussions associated with encroachments on mangrove ecosystems.{{cite news |title=Mumbai: Case against ex-MLA for 'club on mangroves' shifted to EOW |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/mumbai-case-against-ex-mla-for-club-on-mangroves-shifted-to-eow/articleshow/80730443.cms |work=Times Of India |date=7 February 2021}}
= Lamborghini Accident =
The Lamborghini accident involving the son of a former BJP MLA raises concerns about rash driving and potential misuse of political influence.{{cite news |title=Mumbai: Ex-BJP MLA's Son Crashes Lamborghini Into Railing On Bandra Worli Sea Link, Booked |url=https://www.india.com/news/india/former-bjp-mla-narendra-mehta-son-taksheel-crashes-lamborghini-on-bandra-worli-sea-link-arrested-mumbai-top-news-rash-driving-6284882/ |work=India.com |date=3 September 2023}} Critics argue that the incident underscores issues of privilege and irresponsible behavior among the political elite. This incident has sparked debates about accountability and justice, particularly in cases involving individuals with political connections.{{cite news |title=Lamborghini Hits Railings On Mumbai Bridge, Ex MLA's Son Behind Wheel |url=https://www.ndtv.com/mumbai-news/lamborghini-huracan-hits-railings-on-mumbai-bridge-ex-mlas-son-behind-wheels-4353558 |work=NDTV |date=2 September 2023}}
= 1.5 kg of gold and other diamond jewellery =
The controversy surrounding former BJP MLA Narendra Mehta revolves around allegations of amassing disproportionate assets. In May 2022, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) discovered a Lamborghini, 1.5 kg of gold, and diamond jewellery at his residence.{{cite news |title=ACB finds Lamborghini, gold and diamond jewellery at former MLA's house |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/acb-finds-lamborghini-gold-and-diamond-jewellery-at-former-mla-s-house-101653238457399.html |work=Hindustan Times |date=22 May 2022}} This discovery raised suspicions regarding the source of his wealth, leading to his arrest and subsequent rejection of bail in June 2022.{{cite news |title=Disproportionate Asset Case: Thane Court rejects bail plea of ex-BJP MLA Narendra Mehta |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/disproportionate-asset-case-thane-court-rejects-bail-plea-of-ex-bjp-mla-narendra-mehta |work=Free Press Journal |date=1 June 2022}}
= Disproportionate assets of more than Rs. 8.25 crore =
In 2022, former BJP MLA Narendra Mehta and his wife came under scrutiny for allegedly possessing disproportionate assets exceeding Rs. 8.25 crore. This led to investigations by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Thane.{{cite news |title=Maharashtra: BJP ex-MLA Narendra Mehta, wife booked for 'disproportionate assets' worth Rs 8 cr |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/maharashtra-bjp-ex-mla-narendra-mehta-wife-booked-for-disproportionate-assets-worth-rs-8-cr-7933216/ |work=Indian Express |date=24 May 2022}} The controversy emerged from allegations of their assets being significantly disproportionate to their known sources of income.{{cite news |title=Thane: ACB probe against ex-MLA points to assets of Rs 8.25 crore |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thane/thane-acb-probe-against-ex-mla-points-to-assets-of-rs-8-25-crore/articleshow/91753516.cms}}
Career
Narendra Mehta entered politics in 1997. He was a member of the municipal corporation and later went on to become the Mayor. As a businessman Mehta is into several businesses including construction, education and healthcare.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/six-things-to-know-about-bjp-mla-whose-wife-slammed-lamborghini-into-auto/story-hWXTZn442r8rdgtUXRF3pN.html|title=Six things to know about BJP MLA, whose wife slammed Lamborghini into auto|date=2016-08-31|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=2019-09-12}} In 2002, he was arrested in relation to a corruption charge. Later after a 14 year legal battle in 2016, he was acquitted of all charges by the court after prosecution failed to produce evidences beyond doubt in the court.{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/bjp-mla-narendra-mehta-acquitted-of-bribery-charges/articleshow/55311520.cms|title=BJP MLA Narendra Mehta acquitted of bribery charges|date=2016-11-08|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-09-12}} In 2017, there was a buzz when he gifted his wife Suman an expensive luxury car on her birthday. Mehta again found himself at the centre of political attention after Mrs Mehta hit the car into an auto while driving. Fortunately no one was hurt in the incident.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/mrs-mehta-could-not-tame-the-lamborghini/20160831.htm|title=Mrs Mehta couldn't tame the Lamborghini|website=Rediff|language=en|access-date=2019-09-12}}
Later again in 2017, Mehta and five Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation officers were booked in a Rs 2 Crore extortion case against a builder. The case is currently under investigation.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/bjp-legislator-booked-in-rs-2crore-extortion-case/articleshow/56819858.cms|title=extortion case: BJP legislator booked in Rs 2crore extortion case |newspaper=The Times of India|accessdate=8 June 2019}}
On 28 February, he and 200 others were booked for rioting in Thane four days earlier.{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/pti-feed/story/bjp-mla-booked-for-rioting-882765-2017-02-28|title=BJP MLA booked for rioting|newspaper=India Today|accessdate=8 June 2019}} Mehta and the other rioters had staged a protest in front of a local police station and then moved to the home of Vasant Mane, where Mehta threatened him and his family. Mehta and the rioters then proceeded to ransack Mane's house. He is also owner of Seven Eleven group.
In 2019 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly election, he lost to Geeta Bharat Jain by about 15,535 votes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/maharashtra-bjp-rebel-geeta-jain-who-won-from-mira-bhayandar-meets-bva-chief-2363945.html|title=Maharashtra BJP Rebel Geeta Jain Who Won From Mira Bhayandar Meets BVA Chief|website=News18|date=27 October 2019|access-date=2019-10-28}}
On 24 February 2020, Narendra Mehta quit BJP from all posts and also apologized to other party leaders.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tu13dekh.com/mira-bhayandar-ex-mla-narendra-mehta-quits-bjp-and-politics/|title=Mira-Bhayandar Ex-MLA Narendra Mehta Quits BJP and Politics|website=Tu13Dekh|date=24 February 2020|access-date=2020-02-24}}
Positions held
- Maharashtra Legislative Assembly MLA
- Terms in office:2014-2019.{{cite web | url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/bjp-mla-blurts-out-party-has-alliance-with-ncp-in-assembly/15771172 | title=BJP MLA blurts out party has alliance with NCP in assembly | website=Mid-day.com | date=17 November 2014 | accessdate=15 April 2016}}{{cite web | url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/corporator-booked-for-molestation-goes-absconding/ | title=Narendra Mehta of the BJP, MLA from Mira-Bhayandar | website=Indianexpress.com | date=22 March 2015 | accessdate=15 April 2016}}