His fierce loyalty to his party is an equally essential ingredient which has catapulted Satam to the coveted all-powerful post of Mumbai's first mayor under the new Mayor-in-Council (MIC) system in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

A grassroot worker with the Shiv Sena from the age of 18, Satam first contested the elections to the BMC in 1985. Besides wresting the seat, his opponent, sitting Congress corporator Sambhat Chavan, even lost his deposit, further endorsing Satam's election. After that, there was no looking back.Armed with a Secondary School Certificate degree, Mumbai's most powerful citizen will be vested with considerable executive powers and financial responsibilities. But Satam knows he is one of the few Sena corporators who is qualified to shoulder the mantle. His closeassociation with Sena chief Bal Thackeray and his son Uddhav will also help, he admits.

But is there a tinge of arrogance in Satam's demeanour or is his confidence mistaken for the irritating trait which is resented by bureaucrats, Opposition members and some of his party corporators who never mention it except in hushed tones?

Nonetheless, Satam is never found alone in his cabin at the civic headquarters, which speaks volumes for his popularity. His no-nonsense attitude has evidently deterred none.

Ever since the big announcement on Tuesday, Satam has not stopped meeting well-wishers and posing for photo-sessions. But, says Satam, in his inimitable style: ``Nobody will cooperate unless you are friendly and show that you really care for them.''

Harking back to his first association with the Sena, Satam recalls the day he filled up his form during the party's membership drive. He even promised to help increase the cadres of the party. The initiative paid off and Satam was on his way.

Hisresponsibilities increased and Satam was given ample opportunity to prove his dedication. But he proved that the trust reposed in him was not misplaced.

Soon, Satam was made deputy shakha pramukh of the Worli shakha, which signalled the beginning of his political career. He worked in this capacity for the next four years and was promoted as shakha pramukh in the same ward. He held this post for the next 12 years, till 1985, when he was elected as a corporator for the first time. ``I enjoyed a good rapport with the party corporators and some members of the Legislative Assembly. I managed to convince them that the facilities I worked to secure for the people were essential... and they agreed.''

Chuckling, Satam continues to reminisce. Recalling a scuffle with a paanwalla who tried his hand at eve-teasing, Satam believes the shakha pramukh is like a saviour to the people. ``We will even lay down our lives if required while fighting evils,'' he says.

Satam is ambitious and is known to fight tothe finish. During the 1995 Assembly elections, he recalls, party chief Bal Thackeray barred him from contesting. Satam mustered the support of his colleagues and raised a storm simply to assert his popularity in the party.

Though he has been accused of `playing politics' Satam does not exactly agree. ``I play politics with those who play politics with me. I will never spare anyone,'' he cautions, ominous words for potential opponents.