Milind DeoraÂ
Milind Murli Deora is an Indian politician and businessman who currently serves as a Rajya Sabha member from Maharashtra. He is associated with the Shiv Sena and entered the Rajya Sabha in April 2024. Before moving to the upper house of Parliament, he represented Mumbai South in the Lok Sabha for two consecutive terms and served as a Union Minister of State in the previous Congress-led government.
Deora is also known for his background in business, technology, public policy and social initiatives. He comes from a prominent political family and is the son of the late Murli Deora, a veteran Congress politician and former Union minister.
Early Life and Family Background
Milind Deora was born on December 4, 1976, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He is the son of Murli Deora and Hema Deora.
His father, Murli Deora, had a long political career and represented Mumbai in Parliament. He also served as a Union minister and was closely associated with the development of Mumbai’s political and civic life.
Growing up in a politically active family gave Milind Deora an early exposure to public affairs and national politics.
Milind Deora’s Education
Deora studied in Mumbai before pursuing higher education in the United States.
He graduated from Boston University, where he studied business. His education gave him a background in business and management before he entered electoral politics.
The Rajya Sabha has also described him as a business graduate from Boston University.
Milind Deora’s Business Career
Before becoming a full-time politician, Deora developed interests in business and technology.
He has been involved in technology-related initiatives and has spoken extensively about India’s technology sector, entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development.
His professional experience outside politics contributed to his interest in issues involving technology, telecommunications, business and urban development.
Deora founded Sparsh, an organization focused on helping underprivileged students gain access to information and communication technology skills.
The initiative reflected his interest in using technology and education to expand opportunities for young people. The Rajya Sabha has also identified Sparsh among his major social activities.
Milind Deora’s Political Career
Deora entered electoral politics with the Indian National Congress and became associated with the party’s younger leadership.
In 2004, at the age of 27, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Mumbai South. He won the constituency again in 2009, becoming a two-term Member of Parliament.
During his years in the Lok Sabha, his parliamentary work included issues relating to telecommunications, technology, shipping, finance, infrastructure and Mumbai.
Milind Deora as Union Minister
During the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government, Deora served as a Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology.
He subsequently held an additional portfolio related to Shipping.
His ministerial responsibilities placed him in areas connected with India’s telecommunications sector, information technology and maritime infrastructure.
Milind Deora and Congress
Deora spent many years in the Congress and was regarded as one of the party’s younger leaders.
His family had a long association with the Congress. However, in January 2024, Deora resigned from the party after decades of association and joined the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde.
His departure marked an important change in his political career because it ended his family’s long-standing formal association with the Congress.
Milind Deora Joins Shiv Sena
After leaving Congress, Deora joined the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
He subsequently became a member of the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra.
According to PRS India, his Rajya Sabha term began on April 3, 2024, and he remains in office as of 2026.
Milind Deora in the Rajya Sabha
As a Rajya Sabha member, Deora has participated in parliamentary debates and asked questions covering a broad range of policy areas.
PRS India records his participation in debates concerning subjects such as urban development, education, renewable energy, infrastructure, finance, shipping, artificial intelligence and technology. It also records more than 100 parliamentary questions through August 2026.
His parliamentary interests have continued to include technology, infrastructure, economic development and urban issues.
Milind Deora’s Political Activities in 2026
Deora remained active in national public affairs during 2026.
In October 2026, he wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking the government to consider the Ashoka Chakra for Captain Smit Machchhar, a Flydubai pilot whose actions during an alleged attempt to take control of a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight had attracted public attention.
This was one of several public interventions Deora made during his current Rajya Sabha tenure.
Milind Deora’s Music Interest
Outside politics, Deora has an interest in music and is an accomplished guitarist.
The Rajya Sabha has noted that he has performed publicly as a guitarist. His interest in music has remained one of the less political aspects of his public profile.
Milind Deora’s Wife and Daughter
Milind Deora is married to Pooja Shetty Deora, an entrepreneur associated with the entertainment industry.
The couple have a daughter named Miraya. The Rajya Sabha formally acknowledged Deora’s wife and daughter in its December 2024 birthday greetings.
Deora generally keeps his family’s private life away from the center of his political activities.
Milind Deora’s Current Role
As of 2026, Deora is a Rajya Sabha member representing Maharashtra and a member of the Shiv Sena. PRS India lists him as serving his first Rajya Sabha term, which began in April 2024.
His current parliamentary work includes participation in debates and questions involving national economic, technological, infrastructure and social policy issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Milind Deora
Who is Milind Deora?
Milind Deora is an Indian politician and businessman who currently serves as a Rajya Sabha member from Maharashtra.
How old is Milind Deora?
Milind Deora was born on December 4, 1976. He is 49 years old in 2026. PRS India currently lists his age as 49.
Where was Milind Deora born?
He was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
What did Milind Deora study?
He is a graduate of Boston University, where he studied business.
Who is Milind Deora’s father?
His father was Murli Deora, a veteran Indian politician and former Union minister who represented Mumbai in Parliament.
Which political party does Milind Deora belong to?
As of 2026, Milind Deora is associated with the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde.
Was Milind Deora a Congress leader?
Yes. He spent decades in the Congress, represented Mumbai South in the Lok Sabha for two terms and served as a Union minister before leaving the party in January 2024.
When did Milind Deora become an MP?
He was first elected to the Lok Sabha from Mumbai South in 2004, when he was 27 years old. He was re-elected in 2009.
Is Milind Deora a Rajya Sabha MP?
Yes. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra in 2024 and remains in office in 2026.
Who is Milind Deora’s wife?
His wife is Pooja Shetty Deora, an entrepreneur in the entertainment industry.
Does Milind Deora have children?
Yes. He and his wife have a daughter named Miraya.
What ministry did Milind Deora serve in?
He served as Union Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology, with an additional portfolio in Shipping.
Is Milind Deora related to Murli Deora?
Yes. Milind Deora is the son of the late Murli Deora.
