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Kirit Somaiya: From Anti-Corruption Fighter to BJP's Hindutva Face in Maharashtra
Kirit Somaiya has undergone a remarkable transformation in his political journey. Once celebrated for his relentless pursuit of exposing corruption, he has now become a key player in the BJP's Hindutva narrative and nationalist agenda. A BJP insider remarked, “The party recognizes everyone’s strengths and assigns roles accordingly. Somaiya excels in data and documentation, which has served him well in the past." Political analyst Abhay Deshpande noted that Somaiya's trajectory has shifted significantly—from the Enforcement Directorate's office to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), indicating the BJP’s strategy to position him, alongside Nitesh Rane, as a prominent face of Hindutva politics.
Somaiya, a former MP, has previously worn many hats, from an anti-corruption crusader to a vocal critic of the Thackeray family. His sharp critiques cost him a Lok Sabha ticket during the 2019 elections when the BJP joined forces with the Shiv Sena. Now, he stands as a leading figure for communal politics, particularly in Mumbai. While he is a valuable asset to the BJP, there are moments when he acts like an uncontrolled force, prompting the party to manage his public statements carefully.
He has recently made headlines for controversial claims, including allegations of "school jihad" in Mumbai and facing scrutiny over misused funds linked to the decommissioned INS Vikrant. A particularly scandalous moment occurred when a shirtless Somaiya appeared in a viral video, drawing even the attention of then-home minister Devendra Fadnavis, who promised a thorough investigation. Political analyst Hemant Desai pointed out that Somaiya's approach has shifted towards riskier, more communal issues, aided by enhanced security measures.
This week, after the BMC demolished a Sufi shrine in Mumbai's Aarey colony, Somaiya celebrated what he called a victory against "land jihad," claiming that “70,000 square feet of forest land was grabbed in the name of Dargah." He has even gone so far as to request the Mumbai Police and BMC to prevent Muslims from praying on the streets, citing traffic issues. Despite holding no official role, Somaiya has actively led campaigns against hawkers he alleges are of Bangladeshi and Rohingya descent, which he insists is part of a broader party strategy.
Since the Mahayuti coalition came to power in 2024, Somaiya has gravitated towards right-wing politics, particularly following a lackluster performance in the Lok Sabha elections. He has claimed that "vote jihad" was a significant factor in the MVA's electoral success, citing voter data from areas with large Muslim populations to support his assertions. His rhetoric intensified when he confronted AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi over the Vande Mataram controversy, stating,
“If you want to stay in India, you have to say Vande Mataram.”
In the wake of a security incident in Mira Road, Somaiya alleged that some Muslim leaders were attempting to create "a new Pakistan," calling for the demolition of schools he deemed illegal and operated by a so-called 'Muslim mafia.' He has also targeted electoral rolls for a special audit to identify alleged illegal Bangladeshi voters, claiming significant growth in voter numbers in predominantly Muslim constituencies.
As a chartered accountant with a PhD in Business Policy, Somaiya has shifted his focus from financial corruption to what he terms criminal corruption. He previously dedicated years to exposing various politicians for their corrupt practices, particularly targeting the Thackeray family. His methodology typically involves gathering evidence through Right To Information requests, followed by public disclosures and formal complaints—tactics that have often led his targets to align with the BJP.
Somaiya's shift towards communal issues reflects the BJP's broader strategy to bolster its presence in Mumbai. Deshpande noted that the party is leveraging Somaiya's ability to highlight societal issues, positioning him as a protector of Hindu interests amidst communal tensions. Despite skepticism from political opponents, Somaiya stands firm in his belief that his fight against what he calls "illegal" practices is vital for the party, asserting,
“Vote jihad is used in Maharashtra by Congress and Uddhav Sena and their allies, which can’t be tolerated.”
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