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Manoj Sonkar is an Indian politician who is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He gained attention in 2024 when he was elected as the Mayor of Chandigarh.
Wiki/Biography
Manoj Sonkar aka Manoj Kumar aka Manoj Kumar Sonkar was born in Chandigarh, India. As per one source, he was born on Wednesday, 15 February 1984 (age 40 years; as of 2024), and as per another source, he was born on Friday, 15 February 1985 (age 39 years; as of 2024). His zodiac sign is Aquarius. A few months before his birth, his family moved from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh to Chandigarh. He studied till 7th standard at a government school in Chandigarh following which he dropped out of school to support his family after the death of his father. He later pursued a career in politics.
Manoj Sonkar before joining politics
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 9″
Weight (approx.): 65 kg
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Dark brown
Family & Caste
He belongs to a lower-middle-class family of Khatik caste, categorized as SC (Scheduled Caste) in most states of India.
Parents & Siblings
His father, Jagdish Kumar, was a fruit seller and died when Manoj was 15 or 16 years old. He has an elder brother named Soman Sonkar who works in the liquor business and real estate sectors and owns a chicken shop as well.
Manoj Sonkar (left) with his elder brother, Soman Sonkar (right)
Wife & Children
His wife, Chinki, is a homemaker. He has two daughters.
Manoj Sonkar with his wife and daughters
Other Relatives
He has a brother-in-law (his wife’s brother) named Sagar Sonkar who is a member of the Indian Youth Congress.
Manoj Sonkar’s brother-in-law, Sagar Sonkar
Religion
He follows Hinduism.
Manoj Sonkar doing a pooja
Address
House no. 3450, Mauli Jagran Complex, Chandigarh
Signature
Manoj Sonkar’s signature
Career
In October 2021, he was made Vice President of Chandigarh SC Morcha of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Manoj Sonkar (in green) when he became the state vice-president of BJP SC Morcha of Chandigarh
He contested Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections from ward number 7 (Mauli Jagran and Vikas Nagar) in December 2021 as a BJP candidate and won the elections by 784 votes, becoming a Municipal Councillor.
Manoj Sonkar after becoming the Municipal Councillor
He won the Chandigarh Mayor elections in 2024 by defeating Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate, Kuldeep Singh Teeta, who was also supported by Indian National Congress (INC). Sonkar got 16 votes while Teeta got 12 votes, and 8 votes were declared invalid by presiding officer, Anil Masih. When Manoj was asked about the controversy about the mayoral elections, he replied that the opposition was creating a ruckus to hide the loss caused due to their actions. He also spoke about his priorities as Mayor and said that clearing the Dadu Majra garbage dump and the welfare of the city would be his priority.
Manoj Sonkar (centre) with Kirron Kher (left) after becoming the mayor of Chandigarh
Manoj stepped down as Chandigarh Mayor on 19 February 2024 before a Supreme Court hearing regarding allegations of misconduct during the Chandigarh mayoral elections.
Bike Collection
He owns a Royal Enfield motorcycle of a 2016 model.
Car Collection
Manoj Sonkar owns a Maruti Suzuki Swift (2016 model) car.
Salary
His income for the financial year 2020-2021 was Rs 2,85,750 (approx. Rs 2 lakh 85 thousand). It excludes the income of his wife and dependents (minors).
Assets & Properties
Movable Assets
- Investment in NSS, Postal Savings, and Insurance Policies: Rs. 2,00,000
- Motor Vehicles: Rs. 4,50,000
Immovable Assets
- Residential Buildings: Rs. 1, 30,00,000 (H.No. 618, Sector 12-A, Panchkula)
Note: The given estimates of movable and immovable assets are according to the year 2021. It excludes the assets owned by his wife and dependents (minor).
Net Worth
Sonkar’s net worth for the financial year 2020-2021 was Rs. 1,19,89,590 (approx. Rs 1 crore 19 lakh). It excludes the net worth of his wife and dependents (minors).
Piercings
He has got both ears pierced.
Manoj Sonkar’s ear-piercing
Facts/Trivia
- His followers and friends fondly call him by his nickname Mannu (also spelt as Manu).
- In September 2022, his brother, Soman Sonkar, was issued a show-cause notice for running a liquor vend from two merged flats (1800 and 1881) which were allotted to him by the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB). Although Manoj was rumoured to be involved in the liquor business, he denied it when reporters asked him about his brother’s actions and said that his brother runs the business independently.
- He likes travelling to hill stations with his family.
Manoj Sonkar during a trip with his family
- He likes playing cricket and often plays in amateur cricket tournaments.
Manoj Sonkar (left) during a cricket tournament