In Mumbai: Former Black Cat commando in BMC poll fray from Malad

Mukesh Singh served in the army for 12-and-a-half years and then as an NSG commando for another three years, during which he participated in numerous operations in Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, etc...

After serving in the Indian Army and the National Security Guard (NSG), former Black Cat commando Mukesh Singh is now contesting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections as an Independent candidate from Malad. Singh, 35, said this was another to serve the country once again.

Mukesh Singh, who joined the army at 19, said he wants to get into the system to bring positive changes.

He was in the army for 12-and-a-half years and then served in the NSG for another three years, during which he participated in numerous operations in Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, etc. Singh, who joined the army at 19, said he wants to get into the system to bring positive changes.

Singh attributed his decision to contest polls to his postgraduation (PG) programme. “During my PG in urban development, we had to conduct surveys related to the issues that affect the city. Those surveys made me realise that there is a lot that is missing in my city. So to bring a change, one needs power and this is my attempt at bringing a change,” Singh said while campaigning in Chincholi area at Malad. Apart from the PG diploma, Singh has an MBA degree in marketing.

Singh is pitted against heavyweights such as BJP minister Vidya Thakur’s son Deepak and Congress’ sitting corporator Sneha Zagade. Though he admitted that being an Independent can be a disadvantage as there is no backing of any party, but Singh said this hasn’t discouraged him nor has been intimidated by the list of other contenders.

He said, “I am a fauji (soldier). During my interaction with people, I’m asking them to choose between a neta (politician/leader) and a sevak (servant) as I have served my country. I hope they will give me a chance to serve them as well.”