Early Involvement
Naresh began his political journey as a student activist with the Bharatiya Vidyarthi Sena, the student wing of Shiv Sena. He served as city and district chief before transitioning to mainstream politics
Biography
Experience
Entry into Civic Governance (2012)
Elected as a corporator from Anandnagar ward in the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). Demonstrated strong organizational skills, earning a second term in 2017
Rise in TMC Leadership (2017):
Appointed Leader of the House in TMC and elevated to Mayor of Thane in November 2019, after being elected unopposed. He led numerous infrastructure and sanitation projects and guided the civic body's response during the COVID‑19 pandemic
Shiv Sena (Shinde Faction) Spokesperson (2022)
During the Shiv Sena split, Naresh aligned with Eknath Shinde. He resigned from his Shiv Sena (Thackeray-led) posts on June 25, 2022, and was later appointed as a spokesperson for the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Member of Parliament (2024–present)
In June 2024, he was elected MP from Thane Lok Sabha constituency, defeating incumbent Rajan Vichare by ~217,000 votes. Since then, he has been active in Parliament, serving on committees related to Housing & Urban Affairs, Railways, and Urban Development. He also received the prestigious Sansad Ratna Award in 2025 for his parliamentary performance
Political Journey
Grassroots & Student Politics
Began his political engagement early in life through the Bharatiya Vidyarthi Sena (Shiv Sena’s student wing), serving as city and district leader under mentor Anand Dighe.
Entry into Civic Governance (2012 & 2017)
Elected as a corporator in the Thane Municipal Corporation from Anandnagar ward in 2012 and re‑elected in 2017. During his second term, he was appointed Leader of the House.
Mayor of Thane
Became Mayor of Thane Municipal Corporation on 21 November 2019, elected unopposed along with Deputy Mayor Pallavi Kadam. Led key infrastructure and sanitation drives.
Support for Eknath Shinde & Party Realignment
On 25 June 2022, resigned as Thane district Shiv Sena chief in protest against Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership, shifting allegiance to Eknath Shinde. Soon after, he became a spokesperson for the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena.
Member of Parliament (2024–Present)
In the June 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he was elected MP from Thane, defeating incumbent Rajan Vichare by ~217,000 votes with 734,231 votes (56.1%).
He now serves on parliamentary committees for Housing & Urban Affairs, Railways, and Urban Development, and in July 2025 received the Sansad Ratna Award for his contributions in debates and legislative oversight.