On July 11, 2025, Sanjay Shirsat, a well-known politician from Maharashtra, continues to make headlines for his work and recent controversies. He is a leader who has served the people of Aurangabad West for many years. His life is a story of hard work, commitment, and a strong connection with his community. Sanjay Shirsat’s journey shows how a simple man can rise to become a respected figure in Indian politics. Let’s explore his life, career, and the challenges he faces today in simple words.
Early Life And Background
Sanjay Pandurang Shirsat was born in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. His family was not very wealthy, but they valued education and hard work. Sanjay grew up in a community that followed Buddhist traditions. He belongs to the Mahar Scheduled Caste, which made him aware of the struggles many people face. As a young boy, he saw poverty and inequality around him. These experiences shaped his desire to help others. He studied up to the 12th grade and later joined Yashwantrao Chavan Open University to pursue a B.Com degree. However, he only completed the first year. Sanjay was not just a student; he was also curious about improving his community.
Sanjay’s early life was simple. He worked as a social worker, farmer, and builder. These jobs taught him the value of hard work. He learned how to connect with people from different backgrounds. His friendly nature and willingness to listen made him popular in Aurangabad. Sanjay always believed in helping the poor and solving their problems. This belief became the foundation of his political career.
Sanjay Shirsat Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Cast, Religion, Wife, Daughter
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sanjay Pandurang Shirsat |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly available; born in Aurangabad, Maharashtra |
| Hometown | Aurangabad, Maharashtra |
| Community | Mahar Scheduled Caste; follows Buddhist traditions |
| Education | Studied up to 12th grade; pursued B.Com at Yashwantrao Chavan Open University (completed 1st year) |
| Early Jobs | Social worker, farmer, builder |
| Family | Married; wife involved in social work and construction; has a son, Siddhant |
| Residence | Green Heights, Beed Bypass Road, Aurangabad |
| Political Party | Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) |
| Political Career Start | Contested and won Aurangabad West MLA seat in 2009 |
| Elections Won | 2009, 2014, 2019, 2024 (Aurangabad West, reserved for Scheduled Castes) |
| Key Political Role | Minister of Social Justice, Maharashtra (appointed December 2024) |
| Other Role | Chairman of CIDCO (2024, briefly before becoming minister) |
| Achievements | Improved roads, schools, hospitals, and water supply in Aurangabad West; supported scholarships and job programs for Scheduled Castes |
| Values | Kindness, equality, justice; inspired by Buddhist principles |
| Recent Controversies | - Viral video (July 2025) alleging a bag of cash (clarified as clothes) - Income Tax notice (wealth growth from Rs. 3.3 crore to Rs. 35 crore) - Allegations about son’s hotel deal (denied as false) |
| Response to Controversies | Denied allegations; provided election affidavit details; claimed wealth from farming and construction; open to investigation |
| Public Image | Seen as hardworking and honest by supporters; criticized by opponents |
| Future Goals | Improve education, healthcare, and job opportunities in Maharashtra |
| Hobbies | Spending time with pet dog |
Entry Into Politics
Sanjay Shirsat entered politics with a strong desire to serve. He joined the Shiv Sena, a political party known for its focus on Marathi pride and local issues. Sanjay chose Shiv Sena because he admired its work for the common people. His first big step came in 2009. He contested the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly election from Aurangabad West. This constituency is reserved for Scheduled Castes. Sanjay worked hard during his campaign. He met people, listened to their problems, and promised to bring change. His efforts paid off, and he won the election.
Becoming an MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) was a big moment for Sanjay. He felt proud to represent his people. He focused on improving roads, schools, and hospitals in Aurangabad West. People liked his simple way of talking and his dedication. Sanjay’s victory in 2009 was just the beginning. He went on to win the same seat in 2014, 2019, and 2024. Winning four times in a row shows how much trust people have in him. Each time, he worked harder to fulfill his promises.
Rise to Prominence
Sanjay Shirsat’s journey in politics was not always easy. He faced many challenges, but his determination kept him going. In 2022, the Shiv Sena party faced a big split. Some leaders, including Sanjay, supported Eknath Shinde, who formed a new group within the party. Sanjay was one of the first to stand by Shinde during this time. He believed Shinde’s leadership would bring better results for Maharashtra. This decision made Sanjay a key figure in the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
In December 2024, Sanjay’s hard work was rewarded. He was appointed as the Minister of Social Justice in the Maharashtra government. This was a proud moment for him. As a minister, he worked to help marginalized communities, especially those from Scheduled Castes. He focused on education, jobs, and welfare programs. Sanjay wanted to ensure that everyone had equal opportunities. His supporters in Aurangabad put up banners calling him a future deputy chief minister. This showed how much they believed in his leadership.
Sanjay also served as the chairman of CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation) for a short time in 2024. This role was important, but he had to leave it when he became a minister. Sanjay’s rise in politics shows his ability to balance responsibilities and stay connected with people. He often spoke about the importance of trust and teamwork in politics. His speeches were simple but powerful, inspiring many young leaders.
Personal Life And Values
Sanjay Shirsat lives in Aurangabad with his family. His home is at Green Heights, Beed Bypass Road. He is married, and his wife is also involved in social work and construction. Sanjay’s family supports his political journey. They share his dream of making Aurangabad a better place. Sanjay is known for his simple lifestyle. Even as a minister, he stays close to his roots. He enjoys spending time with his pet dog, which often appears in videos and photos.
Sanjay’s values come from his Buddhist background. He believes in kindness, equality, and justice. These values guide his work as a politician. He often visits temples and community centers to meet people. Sanjay listens to their problems and tries to find solutions. His supporters admire his honesty and dedication. They see him as a leader who cares about their needs.
Achievements And Contributions
Sanjay Shirsat has done a lot for Aurangabad West. He improved roads and public transport in his constituency. Schools and colleges got better facilities because of his efforts. He also worked to provide clean water and electricity to villages. Sanjay pushed for job opportunities for young people. He wanted to make sure that everyone, especially those from poor backgrounds, had a chance to succeed.
As the Minister of Social Justice, Sanjay introduced programs to help Scheduled Castes and other disadvantaged groups. He supported scholarships for students and training programs for workers. Sanjay also worked to make government services easier to access. He believed that every person deserved respect and support. His work earned him praise from many people, but it also brought challenges.
Recent Controversies
In July 2025, Sanjay Shirsat faced a big controversy. A video went viral on social media. It showed Sanjay sitting in a room with a bag that some claimed was full of cash. The video was shared by Sanjay Raut, a leader from the rival Shiv Sena (UBT) group. Raut said the bag had money, raising questions about Sanjay’s wealth. Sanjay quickly responded. He said the bag had clothes, not cash. He explained that the video was from his home and was being misused to harm his reputation.
Around the same time, the Income Tax Department sent Sanjay a notice. They asked about his wealth, which grew from Rs. 3.3 crore in 2019 to Rs. 35 crore in 2024. Sanjay said he had given all details in his election affidavits. He asked for more time to reply to the notice. He also said that his wealth came from his work as a builder and farmer. Sanjay’s supporters believe the accusations are false and meant to weaken his party.
Another issue came up about a hotel deal. Some people claimed Sanjay’s son, Siddhant, bought a hotel worth Rs. 110 crore for only Rs. 67 crore. This led to debates in the Maharashtra Legislative Council. Sanjay and his son denied the allegations. They said the deal was fair and legal. These controversies have made Sanjay’s life difficult, but he remains strong. He says he will answer all questions with honesty.
Public Image And Future Goals
Sanjay Shirsat is seen as a hardworking and honest leader by many. His supporters in Aurangabad admire his dedication. They believe he fights for their rights. However, his opponents question his wealth and actions. Sanjay says he is ready to face any investigation. He wants to focus on his work as a minister and MLA.
Looking ahead, Sanjay aims to do more for Aurangabad and Maharashtra. He wants to improve education and healthcare. He also plans to create more jobs for young people. Sanjay believes in working together with other leaders to make Maharashtra stronger. He hopes to continue serving his people for many years.
Conclusion
Sanjay Shirsat’s life is a story of struggle and success. From a simple background in Aurangabad, he rose to become a four-time MLA and a minister. His work for the poor and marginalized has won many hearts. Despite recent controversies, Sanjay remains focused on his goals. He wants to make life better for his people. His journey teaches us the power of hard work and honesty. Sanjay Shirsat is a leader who continues to inspire, even in tough times. His story reminds us that true leadership is about serving others with a kind heart.