Sanjay Nirupam

Sanjay Brijkishorlal Nirupam is a prominent Indian politician and former journalist who has been a significant figure in Maharashtra's political landscape for over three decades. Born on February 6, 1965, in the Rohtas district of Bihar, he completed his early education in his hometown before moving to Patna for higher studies. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science from A.N. College, Patna, under Magadh University in 1984. His journey from a student in Bihar to a powerful political voice in Mumbai began through the medium of journalism, a profession that would eventually serve as his gateway into public service.

His career in journalism commenced in 1986, and by 1988, he had moved to Mumbai to work with Jansatta, a sister publication of the Indian Express Group. His sharp editorial skills and vocal nature caught the attention of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, leading to his appointment as the Executive Editor of Dopahar Ka Saamana, the party's Hindi mouthpiece, in 1993. This role provided him with a massive platform to address the Hindi-speaking population of Mumbai and marked his formal entry into politics. In 1996, he made his parliamentary debut when he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the Shiv Sena, a position he held for two terms until 2005. During his time in the Rajya Sabha, he was an active member of several important parliamentary committees, including those for Public Accounts and Finance.

In 2005, following a shift in his political alignment, he joined the Indian National Congress and was soon appointed as a General Secretary of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee. One of the major breakthroughs of his career occurred in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, where he was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Mumbai North constituency after a high-profile victory. His leadership within the party grew, and he was appointed President of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee in 2015. Beyond the political arena, he made a notable appearance on the national stage as a contestant in the second season of the reality TV show Bigg Boss in 2008. Although his stint on the show was brief, it showcased his willingness to engage with diverse media formats. Additionally, as a passionate film enthusiast and fan of actor Dev Anand, he even ventured into creative writing, co-penning the story for the 1996 film Return of Jewel Thief.

In recent years, his political journey has seen further evolution. After being suspended and subsequently resigning from the Indian National Congress in April 2024 following disagreements over seat-sharing and party discipline, he made a return to the Shiv Sena, joining the faction led by Eknath Shinde in May 2024. As of early 2026, he continues to be an active and vocal participant in Mumbai's political discourse, frequently serving as a spokesperson for his party and weighing in on civic issues like the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. He maintains a strong digital presence through his official website and social media platforms, where he interacts with followers on current socio-economic issues and urban infrastructure.