Anda Bhurji stall operator to Rs 125 crore business empire, Know more about Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik’s astonishing career

Political

Mumbai: Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik has been raided by the Enforcement Directorate recently and his son Vihang has been summoned for questioning on Thursday (November 26) in connection with an alleged Rs 175 crore scam. Sarnaik is one of the fiercest Sena leaders who has criticised state BJP leaders, Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut and Republic TV Editor Arnab Goswami recently. Sarnaik was also instrumental in ‘guarding’ the Sena MLAs in November 2019 against the alleged poaching attempts by the BJP to form a government in the state. But did you know that Sarnaik once used to operate an Anda Bhurji stall in Dombivali? Here’s how he became the owner of a Rs 125 crore business empire.

Early days
Pratap Sarnaik is originally from Wardha. His surname was Gandule while he later changed to Sarnaik. He shifted to Dombivali and completed his school education till Class 10 there. He used to operate an Anda Bhurji stall and drive an auto rickshaw for his livelihood.
Sarnaik was known to be close to NCP leader Jitendra Awhad. But Sarnaik came into focus in 2008 when he offered a Rs 20 lakh worth diamond studded mobile phone to the then Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The mobile was donated to Siddhivinayak Ganpati which was then auctioned for Rs 20 lakh. Sarnaik was the one who bought it. Although Ajit Pawar refused to accept the mobile, Sarnaik became known to the entire state and established his own ‘Sarnaik’ brand.
Family background and Business Expansion
Pratap Sarnaik has two sons – Vihang and Purvesh. They both are office bearers of the Yuva Sena, the youth wing of Shiv Sena. Both Vihang and Purvesh are close to Aditya Thackeray, son of Uddhav Thackeray.
Purvesh Sarnaik is secretary of Yuva Sena while Purvesh’s wife Parisha Sarnaik is corporator from Prabhag number 29 in Thane Municipal Corporation. Parisha is the daughter of Ranjit Patil, who was a minister in Devendra Fadnavis led BJP government in the state. Ranjit Patil had the portfolio of Minister of State for Home and Urban Development. Purvesh and Parisha got married about one and half years ago.
Sarnaik also became famous due to the Dahihandi utsav organised in Thane region. He has also produced two Marathi movies – Kanha and Hridayantar.

Sarnaik is the President of Vihag Group of Companies. He has been involved in all major real estate projects in Thane since 1989. His company has constructed several projects including Vihang Shantivan, Vihang Garden, Srushti Complex, Vihang Residency, Vihang Tower, Vihang Park, Raunak Tower, Vihang Arcade, etc.

Sarnaik also owns a three-star hotel named Vihangs Inn near Maanpada on Ghodbandar road. Vihang Group also owns the Vihang Palm Club.

Political Journey
Sarnaik has been elected thrice to Thane Municipal Corporation as the corporator from Lokmanyanagar area. He was offered a ticket by the NCP in 2009 assembly elections to contest from the Koli-Majiwada constituency. However, Sarnaik refused the offer and instead joined Shiv Sena. He became a close confidante of Uddhav Thackeray.

According to the affidavit filed during 2019 elections, Sarnaik has stated that he owns a total of Rs 125 crore worth property (including both movable and immovable). After the 2019 elections, the Shiv Sena and BJP separated and Sarnaik played an important role during this entire episode.

Sena MLAs were shifted to secure locations (hotels) to avoid their poaching by the BJP. Sarnaik was amongst the few leaders who lifted the entire expenses of shifting and securing the presence of these MLAs in these hotels. Sarnaik expected that he would be rewarded with ministership for his efforts, but he was disappointed.

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