The political landscape in Maharashtra has seen a significant presence of women leaders who have made notable contributions and continue to shape the state’s future. Here are some key figures to watch in the upcoming elections:
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1. Supriya Sule (NCP)
- Constituency: Baramati
- Background: Daughter of veteran politician Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule has been a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics. She has won the Baramati seat for the fourth successive time, defeating Sunetra Pawar by a significant margin25.
- Role and Influence: Sule is known for her strong advocacy on issues related to women, education, and rural development. Her leadership within the NCP and her ability to connect with voters make her a key player in the state’s political arena25.
2. Praniti Shinde (Congress)
- Constituency: Solapur
- Background: Daughter of former Union Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, Praniti Shinde has been an MLA from Solapur City Assembly constituency. She won the Solapur Lok Sabha seat by a margin of 74,197 votes25.
- Role and Influence: Praniti Shinde’s political legacy and her focus on social justice and development issues have solidified her position as a significant leader in Maharashtra25.
3. Varsha Gaikwad (Congress)
- Constituency: Mumbai North Central
- Background: A four-time MLA from Dharavi, Varsha Gaikwad is the daughter of senior Congress leader Eknath Gaikwad. She won the Mumbai North Central parliamentary seat by a margin of 16,514 votes25.
- Role and Influence: Gaikwad has been a vocal advocate for education and social welfare policies. Her leadership in Mumbai’s political landscape is noteworthy25.
4. Pratibha Dhanorkar (Congress)
- Constituency: Chandrapur
- Background: Pratibha Dhanorkar, the widow of former MP Suresh Dhanorkar, won the Chandrapur seat by defeating state forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar by 2,60,406 votes25.
- Role and Influence: Her victory underscores her ability to carry forward her late husband’s political legacy and address local issues effectively25.
5. Smita Wagh (BJP)
- Constituency: Jalgaon
- Background: Smita Wagh, the widow of late MLA Uday Patil, secured a comfortable win in Jalgaon, a BJP stronghold since 199925.
- Role and Influence: Wagh’s leadership and her focus on local development issues have made her a significant figure in the BJP’s political strategy in Maharashtra25.
6. Raksha Khadse (BJP)
- Constituency: Raver
- Background: Daughter-in-law of veteran politician Eknath Khadse, Raksha Khadse secured a hat-trick from the Raver seat, defeating Shriram Dayaram Patil by 2,72,183 votes25.
- Role and Influence: Her consistent electoral success and her work on rural development and women’s issues have strengthened her position within the BJP25.
7. Shobha Bachhav (Congress)
- Constituency: Dhule
- Background: Shobha Bachhav won the Dhule parliamentary seat by a slim margin of 3,831 votes, defeating two-time incumbent MP Subhash Bhamre25.
- Role and Influence: Bachhav’s focus on minority community issues and her grassroots engagement have been key to her political success25.
8. Pankaja Munde (BJP)
- Constituency: Beed
- Background: Daughter of the late BJP leader Gopinath Munde, Pankaja Munde has been a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics. Despite facing a narrow defeat in the recent elections, she remains a key player25.
- Role and Influence: Munde’s focus on rural development and her strong political legacy continue to make her an influential leader in the state25.
9. Navneet Rana (BJP)
- Constituency: Amravati
- Background: Navneet Rana, who previously won as an Independent candidate with NCP and Congress support, is now contesting on a BJP ticket. She is the wife of three-time Independent MLA Ravi Rana25.
- Role and Influence: Rana’s ability to navigate complex political alliances and her focus on local issues have made her a notable figure in Maharashtra politics25.
These women leaders represent a diverse array of backgrounds and political affiliations, each bringing unique strengths and perspectives to Maharashtra’s political landscape. Their roles and influence will be crucial in shaping the state’s future, particularly in the upcoming elections.
