Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra’s Tourism, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship Minister, is leading in the Malabar Hill constituency in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. As of the latest updates, Lodha, contesting for his seventh consecutive term, is ahead with a substantial margin of 36,362 votes against Shiv Sena (UBT) debutant Bherulal Choudhary.
Lodha, a prominent businessman and founder of Macrotech Developers, previously led the BJP’s Mumbai unit and has been a significant figure in state politics. His political journey began in the early 1990s when he joined the BJP, later holding key positions including Vice President of both Mumbai Pradesh and Maharashtra Pradesh BJP. Lodha has represented the Malabar Hill seat since 1995, winning multiple terms with large margins, including the highest percentage of votes in Maharashtra during the 2014 elections.
This year’s contest between Lodha and Choudhary has gained attention due to their unique personal connection. Both hail from Bhinmal, a village in Rajasthan, leading to a rivalry that has become symbolic within the Jain community and local residents, often seen as a battle between brothers-in-law. Choudhary, a solicitor with over three decades of experience, has garnered local support by offering free legal assistance to residents in the constituency.
Lodha, who is also deeply rooted in social work and nationalism, was inspired by his father, Justice Gumanmal Lodha, a former Member of Parliament. He moved to Mumbai in 1981, where he transitioned from legal practice to establish a successful business and become a prominent political figure. His leadership in Maharashtra’s tourism and skill development sectors has further solidified his position as a key BJP leader.
Union Minister Amit Shah praised Lodha’s leadership, calling his victory a testament to the BJP’s ongoing popularity in Mumbai and Maharashtra.
 debutant Bherulal Choudhary.){kind=link}