From Humble Tutor to AIMIM's BMC Leader: The Inspiring Rise of Vijay Ubale
In a remarkable political development, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has appointed 33-year-old Vijay Ubale as the leader of its group in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This appointment marks a significant shift for a party often perceived as primarily representing Muslim voters, as Ubale, a Buddhist from a modest background, emerges as an unlikely yet inspiring figure in Mumbai's political landscape.
A Grassroots Victory in Mumbai's Poorest Ward
Ubale's political journey began in Ward 140, one of Mumbai's most impoverished localities situated in the Mankhurd–eastern Chembur belt. This ward, located in Govandi's M-East area, includes densely populated pockets like Gautam Nagar, Niloni Nagar, Tata Nagar, the Deonar slaughterhouse area, and parts of Shivaji Nagar. Nearly 70% of the ward comprises informal housing and slum clusters near the Deonar dumping ground, highlighting the challenging socio-economic conditions.
Despite declaring total assets of only Rs 1.5 lakh and an annual family income of around Rs 2.5 lakh, Ubale secured a decisive victory. His affidavit revealed six bank accounts, with three having zero balance and the others containing minimal amounts—Rs 4, Rs 464, and Rs 2,265 respectively. His campaign, sustained largely through support from friends, former students, and local AIMIM cadres, culminated in him polling 4,945 votes and defeating the runner-up by a margin of 1,523 votes.
Overcoming Political Heavyweights
The contest in Ward 140 was closely watched, with several prominent candidates in the fray. Prajyoti Handore, daughter of Rajya Sabha MP Chandrakant Handore, was considered a strong contender but finished fifth. Candidates from the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and Shiv Sena (UBT) secured second and third positions respectively, while the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) candidate also failed to make the top five. Ubale's victory over 15 candidates, including nominees from major parties like Congress, underscores his grassroots appeal.
This win is part of AIMIM's broader gains in the 2026 municipal elections across Maharashtra, where the party won 126 seats statewide, including six non-Muslim corporators. In Mumbai, AIMIM's tally rose sharply to eight seats from just two in 2017, with Ubale being the lone non-Muslim among the eight corporators.
The Tutor Turned Politician
Born and raised in Govandi, Ubale comes from a humble background as the son of an autorickshaw driver. He completed his education locally, graduating with a BSc in Mathematics from K J Somaiya College in 2013. During his college years, he began teaching mathematics, charging Rs 150–200 for two-hour sessions. Over time, his reputation as "Vijay Sir" grew, and he taught more than 8,000 students across Govandi, Mankhurd, and Vashi, with many now voters actively supporting his campaign.
Ubale's family lives in a 150-square-foot one-plus-one house bought by his grandfather three decades ago. He resides on the ground floor with his parents and brothers, while his uncle's family occupies the mezzanine floor. His teaching income helped support his family, with one brother now working as a junior engineer at BARC Hospital and the youngest still studying.
Joining AIMIM and Electoral Debut
Despite the presence of several Ambedkarite parties in the locality, Ubale was drawn to AIMIM due to its commitment to the Constitution and stand against injustice. He was appointed joint secretary of the party's Mankhurd taluka unit three years ago. The strong performance of his friend Ateeque Khan, who finished runner-up on an AIMIM ticket in the 2024 Assembly election from Mankhurd, encouraged the party to expand in the area.
When Ward 140 was reserved for Scheduled Castes, Khan persuaded Ubale to contest. "I never thought I would fight an election," Ubale admitted, but the encouragement from party workers, friends, and relatives convinced him. His campaign heavily relied on former students and their families, with many accompanying him door-to-door.
Priorities and Vision for Governance
Rejecting caste or religion-based politics, Ubale emphasizes governance and development as his core priorities. "We follow the thoughts of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Constitution," he stated. His immediate goals for Ward 140 include:
- Making the ward drug-free
- Ensuring transparency in the use of civic funds
- Improving drainage and road infrastructure
- Developing parks and playgrounds
- Pushing for more secondary schools and colleges
Now, as the appointed leader of the AIMIM group in the BMC, Ubale finds himself shuttling between party offices to complete paperwork ahead of the House session. Reflecting on his new role, he said, "I teach students to become good citizens. I will do the same in politics. When good people enter politics, corruption will automatically reduce."
His rise from a corporator with the least assets to AIMIM's surprise leader in BMC serves as a testament to the power of grassroots connection and community service in shaping political narratives.
