Thane : Former legislator Gilbert John Mendonca, who represented the Mira-Bhayandar constituency, passed away on Monday in Thane after a brief illness, his family confirmed. He was 72.
Mendonca, a prominent local leader, was elected as a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA in 2009, becoming the first legislator from the newly carved Mira-Bhayandar constituency. He later associated himself with the Shiv Sena.
Belonging to a business family, Mendonca began his political career in 1978 as the sarpanch of Mira-Bhayandar and went on to serve as president of the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Council in 1990.
He is remembered for his efforts to improve transport connectivity in the region, notably spearheading the campaign to introduce local train services from Mira Road railway station.
