Early Life and Education
Dadaji Dagadu Bhuse was born into a farming family in Malegaon, Maharashtra. His father, Dagadu Bayaji Bhuse, was a freedom fighter, which instilled in him a strong sense of public service. Bhuse completed his early education locally before earning a diploma in engineering. Initially, he worked with the Irrigation Department but left his government job to pursue social work and a political career, inspired by the work of Dharmaveer Anand Dighe.
Political Career
Dadaji Bhuse’s political journey began in 2004 when he contested the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections as an independent candidate. He surprised many by defeating the incumbent Minister Prashant Hire. Bhuse has since represented the Malegaon Outer constituency, winning the elections in 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019. Over the years, Bhuse has held several significant positions in the Maharashtra government. He started as the Minister of State for Cooperation and Rural Development and eventually rose to become a Cabinet Minister. He currently, holds the position of Cabinet Minister for Public Works (Including Public Undertakings) Department.
Major Achievements
As the Minister of Agriculture, Bhuse has been instrumental in launching several initiatives aimed at improving the agricultural sector in Maharashtra. His tenure saw the unprecedented approval of five agricultural colleges simultaneously, which marked a first in the state’s history. He has also been involved in projects related to the modernization of farming practices and has actively worked to improve the overall welfare of farmers in his constituency.
Key Political Initiatives
Dadaji Bhuse played a significant role Samriddhi Highway, covering 25 km from Bharveer to Igatpuri, part of the 701 km long expressway. Bhuse emphasized the highway’s importance in boosting Maharashtra’s socio-economic development by enhancing connectivity, creating employment opportunities, and promoting tourism. The highway connects major cities and tourist destinations, contributing to the state’s progress and supporting the Prime Minister’s vision of improved national infrastructure.
Contributions
In addition to his political responsibilities, Bhuse has contributed significantly to social work. He founded the Janata Raja Mitra Mandal, an organization dedicated to addressing various social issues in Malegaon and its surrounding areas, with a particular focus on supporting the underprivileged.
Social Media and Public Engagement
Bhuse is active on social media, where he engages with his constituents and shares updates about his work. His efforts to remain connected with the public through these platforms have enhanced his image as a leader who is accessible and responsive.
Personal Life
Dadaji Bhuse is known for his simple lifestyle and deep commitment to his community. Despite his political success, he continues to maintain a close connection with his roots and the people of his constituency.
Controversy
On the final day of the Maharashtra State Assembly session, a physical altercation occurred between Shiv Sena Shinde group members, Minister Dada Bhuse and MLA Mahendra Thorve, in the assembly lobby. The scuffle was witnessed by other MLAs and senior officers. MLAs Shambhuraj Desai and Bharat Gogavale intervened to calm the situation.
Promises and Future Commitments
Dada Bhuse played a key mediating role in resolving the eight-day-long agitation by tribals, farmers, and workers in Nashik. As a Maharashtra minister, he met with the protestors and assured them that their demands would be addressed. Bhuse facilitated decisions on state-level issues, like the Shabri Gharkul Yojana, and conveyed that other demands, such as the ₹2000 minimum support price for onions and the lifting of the export ban, would be handled by the Union government. (FPJ)
Dada Bhuse held a meeting with over 40 organizations to address severe issues on the Nashik-Mumbai Road, including traffic jams, potholes, and unfinished work. He emphasized that these problems must be resolved within 10 days, as discussed with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. Bhuse warned of action if issues persist and called for immediate repairs, better traffic planning, and coordination with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to expedite roadwork.
Minister Dadaji Bhuse chaired the Nashik District Planning Committee meeting, reviewing the development works from the past two years and planning for 2024-25. Key achievements include the establishment of India’s first military training school for girls in Nashik and the success of rural students in the Super 50 program, with several qualifying for IIT. Bhuse allocated funds for agriculture, health, education, and road development and instructed officials to address issues related to rain, seeds, fertilizer, crop insurance, and electricity bills. He also ensured timely payments for the Ladaki Bahin Yojana.
Under the leadership of Dadaji Bhuse, Malegaon taluka, once drought-prone, is now drought-free due to effective water management. Bhuse’s initiative led to the construction of over 21 dams along the Mosam River, storing water along 24 km of the river. This effort has significantly alleviated the water crisis, benefiting villages like Vaitagwadi, Vadgaon, and Walwade by ensuring a steady water supply for drinking and agriculture.
Videos and Interviews