Maharashtra National News

Meet BJP MLA Captain R. Tamil Selvan, The Tamil Trailblazer In Mumbai’s Political Landscape

November 25, 2024
The Commune

In a land where Tamil is not the native tongue, Captain R. Tamil Selvan has carved an inspiring journey, rising from humble beginnings to become a prominent leader in Maharashtra politics. Hailing from Pilaviduthi village in Tamil Nadu’s Pudukkottai district, Tamil Selvan’s story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the ability to connect with people across linguistic and cultural divides. Ramayya Rangiyar (82) and Thangam (73), a farming couple from Pilaviduthi village near Karambakudi in Pudukottai, are the proud parents of six children, the eldest being Captain R. Tamil Selvan. Interestingly, his father, Ramayya, is a supporter of the Communist Party, while his brothers Mohan and Jeevanadam are affiliated with AIADMK.

From Laborer To Leader

Nearly 35 years ago, a young Tamil Selvan was brought to Mumbai under the pretense of securing a job in Dubai. Abandoned at the airport by the agent who deceived him, he chose to stay in Mumbai and began working as a laborer at railway stations. Undeterred by adversity, he gradually established himself as a helper and advocate for Tamils and others in Mumbai’s Dharavi and Sion-Koliwada areas, earning immense respect for his service-oriented approach.

Heroism Amid Adversity – 26/11 Attack

Tamil Selvan’s courage came to the forefront during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008. Then a parcel contractor with a counter near platforms 14 and 15, Selvan initially mistook the sound of gunfire for firecrackers. Moments later, his staff reported the chilling truth: terrorists Ajmal Kasab and Ismail Khan were firing indiscriminately at commuters.

Amid the chaos, Selvan faced a life-defining choice—flee or help the injured. Choosing the latter, he said a prayer to Lord Murugan and commandeered a parcel handcart to transport victims. Despite the risk of drawing the terrorists’ attention, Selvan and his team of 11 volunteers courageously ferried approximately 40 injured individuals to St. George’s Hospital, saving 36 lives. The group operated under constant threat, just 50-60 meters from the terrorists, who were unleashing grenades and gunfire. Selvan’s leadership and quick thinking earned him praise, with railway staff recalling how he kept the team united and focused amid the terror. Recognized for his valor, Selvan was felicitated by the Governor of Maharashtra and received a Railways citation.

Political Journey

His foray into politics began with his election as a corporator in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. In 2011, Tamil Selvan was one of the two Tamil corporators elected to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation in the local body polls, marking the beginning of his political journey. Selvan described his election to the Assembly as a natural step forward after serving as the general secretary of the BJP’s urban unit.

Recognizing his dedication, the BJP entrusted him with contesting from the Sion-Koliwada constituency in 2014. Winning with the overwhelming support of locals, Tamil Selvan became the only Tamil MLA in Maharashtra. The Sion-Koliwada constituency, which borders Dharavi, is home to a substantial South Indian population, but Selvan credited his victory to the support of all communities. “The North-South divide that existed decades ago has significantly diminished. Tamils are now present in all political parties. My win was secured with the votes of Tamils, Gujaratis, Rajasthanis, and others,” Selvan said during celebrations in Mumbai.

In the 2014 assembly elections, Captain R. Tamil Selvan of the BJP secured 40,869 votes, representing a 30.5% vote share.

He went on to secure consecutive victories in 2019 and 2024, making history with a hat-trick of wins. By 2019, Captain R. Tamil Selvan of the BJP increased his tally to 54,845 votes, achieving a 43.3% vote share. 

In the recent 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, he defeated Congress candidate Ganesh Kumar Yadav, another Tamil-origin leader, by a margin of over 8000 votes. Representing the culturally diverse Sion-Koliwada constituency, often referred to as “Little India,” Tamil Selvan’s ability to unite people across ethnicities and languages has been his hallmark.

The People Connect

Known for his direct connection with the people, Tamil Selvan prides himself on not having a personal assistant. With his phone number accessible to over 1.5 lakh constituents, he believes in addressing issues firsthand, a quality that endears him to voters.

Capt. Tamil Selvan has spent funds from his pocket to provide housing and electricity for people’s whose homes were damaged allegedly by Omkar builders in the region.

He also enabled many people to get a home through the Slum Rehabilitation Project.

Here are some testaments from the people of the constituency themselves about how accessible he is.

Another resident states how he has helped in building construction in the locality, had it painted, helped establish a baalwadi (children’s centre), helped construction of bus stop, etc.

 

A Beacon Of Hope For Tamils

Tamil Selvan’s story resonates deeply not only with the Tamil community in Maharashtra but also with Tamils worldwide. From a humble laborer to a celebrated leader, his journey reflects the power of perseverance and the unifying spirit of humanity. Captain Tamil Selvan stands as a shining example of how dedication and empathy can transcend boundaries, bringing communities together in the pursuit of progress.

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