Veteran Politician and Former Thane Mayor Ashok Raul Passes Away at 75

Thane, Maharashtra:  Former Thane mayor Ashok Raul, a prominent political figure, passed away on Sunday night at the age of 75 after battling health issues, his family confirmed.

Raul's political journey began with the Congress, later joining the NCP, and eventually crossing over to the BJP. His contributions to Thane's civic landscape earned him widespread recognition. However, in 2019, his election as BJP corporator from Ward 12D of the Thane Municipal Corporation was disqualified by a court for non-disclosure of a criminal case, a decision upholding Supreme Court directives.

Raul is survived by his wife, and his last rites are scheduled for Monday morning.

His passing comes shortly after the demise of Satishchandra Pradhan, Thane's first mayor and Shiv Sena veteran, on December 29, 2024, at the age of 86. Pradhan, instrumental in shaping Thane's development, leaves behind a legacy marked by his pivotal role in Shiv Sena's formation alongside Bal Thackeray and significant contributions like the Dadoji Konddev Stadium and Ram Ganesh Gadkari Theatre.