He was elected by a margin of 10,246 votes in 2004, defeating the then Union minister of state for energy Jaywantiben Mehta of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Milind had polled 50.28 per cent votes in Mumbai South, which houses the business district of the metropolis.

Milind says the upper middle class section in the constituency has become politically aware and active post the terror attacks. "It is a good change, but they have to be careful and ensure that their vote is not divided," he says.

"I have been accessible and given weight to the people's voice even though it meant going against my party and chief minister on many occasions. I have always reacted as a citizen of this city rather than how my actions will have a bearing on my political career. Whatever happens here affects me as it does any other citizen," he said.

He claimed that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance had done more for Mumbai than any other government by providing adequate funds to improve its infrastructure and water supply under various projects.

Image: Milind Deora | Photograph: Rediff Archive

Also see: Celebrities in the 2009 poll fray

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