{{short description|Indian politician (born 1976)|bot=PearBOT 5}} {{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Milind Deora | image = Milind_Deora.JPG | caption = Deora in 2012 | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1976|12|04|df=y}} | birth_place = Bombay, Maharashtra, India | occupation = {{hlist|Politician|business advisor}} | office = Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha | constituency = Maharashtra | term_start = 3 April 2024 | office1 = Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha | constituency1 = Mumbai South, Maharashtra | term1 = 13 May 2004 {{endash}} 16 May 2014 | predecessor1 = Jayawantiben Mehta | successor1 = Arvind Sawant | office2 = Union Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology | term_start2 = July 2011 | term_end2 = May 2014 | office3 = Union Minister of State for Shipping | term_start3 = October 2012 | term_end3 = May 2014 | party = Shiv Sena <small>(2024–present)</small> | other_party = Indian National Congress <small>(2004–2024)</small> | alma_mater = Boston University (BBA) | parents = Murli Deora (father)<ref name="Political dynasties in Maharashtra">{{cite news |title=Political dynasties in Maharashtra |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/political-dynasties-in-maharashtra-101711456983784.html |access-date=15 December 2024 |publisher=Hindustantimes |date=27 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241215143308/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/political-dynasties-in-maharashtra-101711456983784.html |archive-date=15 December 2024}}</ref> | spouse = {{marriage|Pooja Shetty|2008}} | website = [http://www.MilindDeora.in milinddeora.in] | date = 14 January | year = 2024 | source = http://164.100.47.132/lssnew/members/Biography.aspx?mpsno=4052 }}
'''Milind Murli Deora''' (born 4 December 1976) is an Indian politician who currently serves as a member of parliament in the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra. He previously held key positions within the Government of India, notably as the minister of state for communications and information and technology and shipping in the second Manmohan Singh ministry. He is currently in the Shiv Sena party which he joined after quitting the Congress party in January 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 January 2024 |title=Explained: Why Milind Deora Quit Congress Just Ahead Of Polls |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/milind-deora-resigns-explained-why-milind-deora-quit-the-congress-just-ahead-of-polls-4860882 |access-date=2024-07-20 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref name="q100">{{cite web | title=Eknath Shinde Fields MP Milind Deora Against Aaditya Thackeray In Worli | website=NDTV.com | date=22 February 2019 | url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/maharashtra-polls-eknath-shinde-fields-mp-milind-deora-against-aaditya-thackeray-in-worli-6887162 | access-date=28 October 2024}}</ref>
Deora is known for his early entry into Indian politics becoming one of the youngest members of parliament at the age of 27. He served as a member of the 14th and 15th Lok Sabha, representing the prestigious Mumbai South constituency.<ref>{{cite news |title=Milind Deora's history with Congress: A brief overview |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/milind-deoras-history-with-congress-a-brief-overview-2848439 |work=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> He played a significant role in advocating for urban infrastructure projects and championed causes like public sanitation, healthcare, and beautification projects in Mumbai.
Milind serves on the boards of Arctic Circle based in Reykjavík, his alma mater Boston University, the United Nations' Health Innovation Exchange based in Geneva and the US-India Strategic Forum based in Washington DC.
==Early life and education== Milind Deora was born into a Marwari family from rajasthan with a rich political legacy. His father, Murli Deora, served as the mayor of Mumbai, and was subsequently a four-term Member of Parliament for the Mumbai South Constituency.
Deora attended the Cathedral and John Connon School and Sydenham College. He later acquired a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Questrom School of Business at Boston University.<ref name="MD Boston">{{cite web |title=Dean's Advisory Board: Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies |url=https://www.bu.edu/pardeeschool/about/deans-advisory-board/ |access-date=26 September 2019 |publisher=Boston University}}</ref>
== Family Legacy == Deora's father, Murli Deora was one of the senior leaders of the Indian National Congress in Mumbai and the longest serving president of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee. He served as the mayor of Mumbai, a member of parliament in both the Upper and Lower Houses and a minister of Cabinet rank.
The Deora family is known for strengthening Indo-US ties, with both Murli Deora and Milind Deora playing key roles as interlocutors between the US and India governments. The Deoras have maintained cordial relationships across party lines.
The family is also deeply connected with the business world in India. In 1999, Murli Deora was endorsed by Dhirubhai Ambani as South Mumbai MP. In 2019, Milind Deora was endorsed by his son, Mukesh Ambani while running for office in the same constituency.
== Political career ==
=== Legislative career === Deora contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 as a member of the Indian National Congress. He was elected to the 14th Lok Sabha, winning from the Mumbai South constituency against the BJP's Jayawantiben Mehta, who was then a Union Minister. Milind Deora was one of the youngest members of the 14th Lok Sabha.<ref>{{Cite web |title=14th Lok Sabha to see young first-timers looking to bring back some decency into politics |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/20040531-14th-lok-sabha-to-see-young-first-timers-looking-to-bring-back-some-decency-into-politics-789946-2004-05-30 |access-date=2023-05-25 |website=India Today |date=31 May 2004 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Milind Deora |url=http://electionguerilla.com/Leader/milind-deora-indian-national-congress |access-date=2014-02-21}}</ref>
In 2004, he served as a member of the Standing Committee on Defence along with the Consultative Committee in the Ministry of Defence. From 2006 onwards, he was a member of the Consultative Committee <ref name="archive.india.gov.in">{{cite web |title=Detailed Profile: Shri Milind Murli Deora |url=http://www.archive.india.gov.in/govt/loksabhampbiodata.php?mpcode=4052 |access-date=2014-02-21}}</ref> in the Ministry of Urban Development. He also initiated the debate on the Right to Information Bill in the Lok Sabha.
Deora pushed for increased central assistance to fund Urban infrastructure projects, ensuring Mumbai and Maharashtra received substantial grants under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission. After the 26 July floods, he took to Parliament to secure 1200 crore (Rs. 12 Billion) rupees for the BMC to completely revamp its Storm Water Disposal System.
In the 2009 elections, Deora was again elected from Mumbai South Constituency, this time with a ten-fold increase in his victory margin.<ref>{{cite web |date=2009-05-17 |title=MNS gives Congress-NCP a sweep |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/17/stories/2009051759531300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519201040/http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/17/stories/2009051759531300.htm |archive-date=2009-05-19 |access-date=2014-02-21 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> He was a member of the Committee on Information Technology, the Consultative Committee in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the Committee on Estimates.<ref name="archive.india.gov.in" />
Deora facilitated the expedited implementation of critical infrastructure projects such as the Eastern Freeway, the Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans-Harbor Link), the Bandra Worli Sea-Link and the Mumbai Metro Projects by securing funds from both central and state governments. He used his MPLADS funds for issues such as public toilets, drainage lines, repairing of roads, and initiating the beautification of destinations including Marine Drive, the Gateway of India and Jhaveri Bazaar.<ref>{{cite web |title=Milind Deora | Congress Party | 2009 |url=http://mumbaivotes.com/videos/76/ |access-date=2014-02-21}}</ref>
=== Ministerial career === Milind Deora was inducted into the second Manmohan Singh ministry as Union Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology in July 2011. As minister, Deora worked on strengthening regulatory frameworks, bolstering e-governance infrastructure and creating cyber security norms.<ref>{{cite news |title=5 Facts About Milind Deora, Former Minister Who Quit Congress Today |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/5-facts-about-milind-deora-former-minister-who-quit-congress-today-4859563 |work=www.ndtv.com |language=en}}</ref>
He formulated the National E-Governance Policy (NEGP) to reduce bureaucratic corruption and inefficiency, promoting citizen friendly provisions like passport delivery within days. Deora also spearheaded the National Cyber Security Policy of 2013 to ensure a comprehensive, collaborative and collective response to deal with the issue of cyber security. He also reduced the limits for radiation from mobile towers to 1/10th to combat the dangerous health risks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Know your minister |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/photos-news/photos-india/knowyourminister/Article4-720297.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131122070235/http://www.hindustantimes.com/photos-news/Photos-India/knowyourminister/Article4-720297.aspx |archive-date=22 November 2013 |access-date=2014-02-21}}</ref>
In October 2012, Deora was given additional charge as Union Minister of State for Shipping.<ref name="archive.india.gov.in"/> He introduced a landmark lighthouse tourism policy, through which more than 180 lighthouses across India's 7,500 kilometer coastline would be revitalized.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vizhinjam lighthouse to be made tourist destination |url=http://www.sakaaltimes.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=4914306217170822114&SectionId=4635700988208141724&SectionName=Nation&NewsDate=20130109&NewsTitle=Government%20exploring%20lighthouse%20tourism |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309063011/http://www.sakaaltimes.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=4914306217170822114&SectionId=4635700988208141724&SectionName=Nation&NewsDate=20130109&NewsTitle=Government%20exploring%20lighthouse%20tourism |url-status=usurped |archive-date=9 March 2014 |access-date=2014-02-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Vizhinjam lighthouse to be made tourist destination |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/vizhinjam-lighthouse-to-be-made-tourist-destination/article5492758.ece |access-date=2014-02-21 |website=The Hindu|date=23 December 2013 }}</ref>
Deora also undertook significant reforms to make Indian ports more competitive, rehauling the TAMP policy to bring about greater parity in pricing at all ports.<ref name="archive.india.gov.in"/><ref>{{cite web |title=All ports likely to have tariff parity soon, says Milind Deora |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-07-05/news/40392248_1_adani-ports-tamp-shipping-ministry |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031141642/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-07-05/news/40392248_1_adani-ports-tamp-shipping-ministry |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 October 2014 |access-date=2014-02-21}}</ref>
=== Shiv Sena === Deora was elected as a member of parliament, Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra as part of the Shiv Sena after leaving Congress in January 2024.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/milind-deora-announces-resignation-from-congress-who-is-milind-deoria-2488450-2024-01-14 | title=5 things to know about Milind Deora, who left Congress to join Shinde Sena | date=14 January 2024 }}</ref> Explaining his switch, he stated, "Regrettably the current state of the Congress no longer resonates with the party that my father Murlibhai and I joined in 1968 and 2004 respectively. It has deviated from its ideological and organisational roots, lacking appreciation for honesty and constructive criticism."<ref>{{cite web |date=14 January 2024 |title=Milind Deora, close aide of Rahul Gandhi, quits Congress, says 'ending my family's 55-year relationship' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/congress-leader-milind-deora-resigns-from-party-says-ending-my-familys-55-year-relationship/article67740039.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114082019/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/congress-leader-milind-deora-resigns-from-party-says-ending-my-familys-55-year-relationship/article67740039.ece |archive-date=14 January 2024 |access-date=14 January 2024 |website=The Hindu}}</ref> thumb|Milind Deora addressing at the curtain raiser ceremony of International Exhibition and Conference – ‘India Telecom 2011m-powering India’, organized by DOT and FICCI, in New Delhi on August 29, 2011
==Policy Initiatives== <!-- Deleted image removed: thumb|right|90px -->Deora has supported various policy initiatives aimed at bringing about positive change in society. From advocating for accountability in local governance through the DMDA (Direct Mayor, Direct Accountability) campaign to championing infrastructure development projects like the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu) and the Eastern Freeway, he has been instrumental in several key initiatives.
His most significant achievement has been the implementation of Cluster Redevelopment Schemes in Mumbai. As an MP, Deora brought India's first cluster redevelopment scheme in India to Mumbai. This ensured not only the redevelopment of dilapidated buildings and the delivery of affordable housing to all sections of society but also expanded civic amenities for the neighborhood.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-04-10 |title=Cluster redevelopment is the answer, agree all South Mumbai candidates |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/cluster-redevelopment-is-the-answer-agree-all-south-mumbai-candidates/ |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
Deora has consistently supported youth empowerment, spearheading initiatives like the Youth Parliament<ref>{{cite web |title=Deora's Youth Parliament 2013 - India |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-23/mumbai/42322951_1_youth-parliament-milind-deora-parliament-proceedings |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130930161435/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-23/mumbai/42322951_1_youth-parliament-milind-deora-parliament-proceedings |archive-date=2013-09-30 |access-date=2013-09-30 |work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Magic Evening |url=http://www.mid-day.com/columnists/2012/sep/170912-opinion-Magic-Evening.htm |access-date=2013-03-26}}</ref> and the Mumbai Soccer Hunt, a competition that democratizes sports infrastructure and allows winners from the competition the opportunity to train with Queens Park Rangers in the UK.<ref>{{cite web |title=NDTV Sports |url=http://sports.ndtv.com/football/leagues/epl/news/206366-five-mumbai-boys-to-train-at-queens-park-rangers-facility |access-date=2013-04-20}}</ref><ref name="official">{{cite web |title=Milind Deora - Voters' Choice, Citizens' Voice |url=http://milinddeora.com/articles.php?sid=43 |access-date=2013-03-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=31 December 2011 |title=Two Mumbai boys to train with UK football club |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Two-Mumbai-boys-to-train-with-UK-football-club/articleshow/11318076.cms |access-date=2013-01-26 |work=The Times of India}}</ref>
Deora is known for taking contrarian stances on critical issues demonstrating his independence and commitment to principles. He spoke out against corruption in the Adarsh scam despite being a part of the ruling party.<ref name="firstpost">{{cite web |date=26 September 2013 |title=Milind Deora breaks ranks, tweets about dangers of ordinance on convicted MPs |url=http://www.firstpost.com/politics/milind-deora-breaks-ranks-tweets-about-dangers-of-ordinance-on-convicted-mps-1135507.html |access-date=2014-02-22}}</ref><ref name="timesofindia">{{cite news |date=26 September 2013 |title=Milind Deora, Congress minister, opposes ordinance on convicted lawmakers, embarrasses UPA |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Milind-Deora-Congress-minister-opposes-ordinance-on-convicted-lawmakers-embarrasses-UPA/articleshow/23111759.cms?referral=PM |access-date=2014-02-22 |newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref> Amidst criticism of the UPA government's decision to pass an ordinance on convicted legislators, he publicly voiced his opposition, expressing concern that allowing convicted legislators to retain their seats during an appeal could undermine public faith in democracy.<ref name="economictimes">{{cite web |title=Adarsh report: Milind Deora seeks debate in Maharashtra legislature |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-12-29/news/45674975_1_adarsh-report-adarsh-scam-maharashtra-legislature |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301201328/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-12-29/news/45674975_1_adarsh-report-adarsh-scam-maharashtra-legislature |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 March 2014 |access-date=2014-02-22}}</ref><ref name="businessstandard">{{cite news |last1=Jog |first1=Sanjay |date=30 December 2013 |title=Milind Deora demands legislative debate on Adarsh scam report |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/milind-deora-demands-legislative-debate-on-adarsh-scam-report-113122900447_1.html |access-date=2014-02-22 |newspaper=Business Standard India}}</ref>
While in the opposition, he supported the Government's ban of the Chinese video-sharing application, TikTok in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The ghosts of India's TikTok: What happens when a social media app is banned |url=https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240426-the-ghosts-of-indias-tiktok-social-media-ban |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>
==Personal life==
Milind Deora is the son of Murli Deora. He is an accomplished Blues and rock guitarist, having performed with Jazz musicians in Mumbai and internationally.<ref>''Mid-Day'', Jan 30, 2019 - [https://www.mid-day.com/articles/milind-deora-plays-the-guitar-with-sharon-prabhakar-at-sobo-fest/20316177 Milind Deora plays the guitar with Sharon Prabhakar at SoBo fest]</ref><ref name="et1">{{cite news |author=Economic Times |title=Cabinet reshuffle: Milind Deora, politician, guitarist and now a minister |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-07-12/news/29765484_1_milind-deora-cabinet-reshuffle-ngo-sparsh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127020615/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-07-12/news/29765484_1_milind-deora-cabinet-reshuffle-ngo-sparsh |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 January 2013 |access-date=12 July 2011 |publisher=The Economic Times}}</ref><ref name="livem">{{cite web |date=12 July 2011 |title=Milind Deora: politician, guitarist and now a minister - Livemint |url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/3Exwa0uedjyeoBoK7dXY4N/Milind-Deora-politician-guitarist-and-now-a-minister.html |access-date=2013-01-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=So, can Milind Deora really play the guitar? |url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2010/sep/220910-milind-deora-blue-frog-guitar.htm |access-date=2013-01-26}}</ref>
He is married to Pooja Shetty, who heads the film production company Walk Water Media. She is the daughter of noted film producer Manmohan Shetty, who founded Walkwater Media Ltd in 2007. Milind's brother, Mukul, is a disc jockey, and a film director and producer.
Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan has also publicly acknowledged that he modelled his look in the 2007 film Paa after Milind Deora and politician Sachin Pilot.<ref> {{cite web | title = Abhishek copies Sachin, Milind for Paa | url = http://movies.ndtv.com/photos/abhishek-copies-sachin-milind-for-paa-987 | access-date = 2013-04-02 }} </ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Check Out: Abhishek Bachchan's attending as the adolescent baby-kisser in Pa - Bollywood Online | url = http://www.bollywoodselected.com/specials/check-out-abhishek-bachchans-attending-as-the-adolescent-baby-kisser-5.html | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130410160526/http://www.bollywoodselected.com/specials/check-out-abhishek-bachchans-attending-as-the-adolescent-baby-kisser-5.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2013-04-10 | access-date = 2013-04-02 }}</ref>
==Member of Committee== Deora was member of the following Committees till he assumed the office of Minister of State in July 2011.
* Standing Committee, Ministry of Defence * Consultative Committee, Ministry of Defence * Consultative Committee, Ministry of Urban Development * Committee on Information Technology * Consultative Committee, Ministry of Civil Aviation * Committee on Estimates
==References== {{reflist|2}}
==External links== * [https://archive.india.gov.in/govt/loksabhampbiodata.php?mpcode=4052 Milind Deora Profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820234921/https://archive.india.gov.in/govt/loksabhampbiodata.php?mpcode=4052 |date=20 August 2018 }}
{{s-start}} {{s-par|in-lwr}} {{s-bef | before = Jayawantiben Mehta }} {{s-ttl | title = Member of Parliament<br />for Mumbai South | years = 2004 – 2014 }} {{s-end}}
{{Cabinet of Manmohan Singh}} {{15th LS members from Maharashtra}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Deora, Milind Murli}} Category:1976 births Category:Living people Category:Indian National Congress politicians from Maharashtra Category:Rajasthani people Category:India MPs 2004–2009 Category:India MPs 2009–2014 Category:Boston University School of Management alumni Category:Politicians from Mumbai Category:Lok Sabha members from Maharashtra Category:United Progressive Alliance candidates in the 2014 Indian general election Category:Cathedral and John Connon School alumni Category:Shiv Sena politicians