Early Life and Education
Devyani Suhas Pharande, a prominent political figure in Maharashtra, hails from a family deeply rooted in public service. Her upbringing in Nashik instilled in her a strong sense of community and social responsibility. Devyani pursued her education in Nashik and is a post graduate.
Political Career
Devyani Pharande is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and represents the Nashik Central constituency in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. She first won this seat in the 2014 assembly elections and successfully retained it in the 2019 elections. Her entry into the assembly marked her as one of the few women legislators in the state, reflecting her significant influence and popularity.
Major Achievements
During her tenure, Devyani Pharande has been instrumental in driving several development projects in Nashik. She has focused on improving infrastructure, particularly in urban areas, and has been a strong advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. One of her notable achievements includes the promotion of educational initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of education in her constituency.
Key Political Initiatives
The MLA initiated the recruitment process for Nashik Municipal Corporation, addressing the long-standing issue of vacant posts, including engineers and other key roles. This move aims to ensure adequate staffing and improve municipal services in preparation for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela and to better manage basic facilities in the city.
As part of an initiative by the MLA, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered the complete improvement of the Nashik-Mumbai highway by August 5. Following a meeting at Sahyadri Rest House, Mumbai, Fadnavis directed that alternative routes during road work should meet National Highway standards. This initiative aims to address the highway’s disrepair and enhance travel conditions for passengers.
Controversy
BJP MLA Devyani Pharande’s proposal for the Maharashtra government to acquire 825 acres of private trust-owned land in Nashik for industrial use has sparked controversy. While Pharande argues that the land is needed to attract investments and boost industrial growth, environmentalists and political figures, including MNS chief Raj Thackeray, oppose the move, citing the need to preserve the green space. (TOI)
In Nashik, tensions flared between BJP MLA Devyani Pharande and Uddhav Thackeray faction’s Vasant Gite, escalating into a significant political controversy. The dispute began when Pharande accused Gite of opposing a government-approved women’s hospital project in Bhabanagar. The situation worsened when both figures engaged in a heated verbal exchange at a polling station during recent elections.
Further complicating the situation, Pharande claimed that slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad” were chanted by a mob outside Upnagar Police Station, which she attributed to elements trying to disrupt the democratic process. She demanded strict police action against those involved, citing concerns over the growing influence of such elements in the city. (Loksatta)
Social Media
Personal Life
Despite her busy political career, Devyani Pharande manages to maintain a balance between her professional and personal life. She is known for her down-to-earth nature and accessibility to her constituents, which has earned her respect and admiration.
Promises and Future Commitments
The Nar-Par-Girna river linking project, spearheaded by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has received approval with a total budget of ₹7,015 crore. This ambitious project aims to irrigate 49,516 hectares of land across Nashik and Jalgaon districts, significantly boosting agricultural productivity in the region.
In Ward No. 15 of Nashik, a Bhoomipujan ceremony was conducted for the concreting of a protective wall and roads in the Gitai Gharkul area. This project is being implemented with funds from the MLA’s special fund, aimed at improving infrastructure and providing better living conditions for the residents.
A directive has been issued to submit a proposal within eight days for the redevelopment of a slum area. This move is aimed at accelerating the process of slum redevelopment, ensuring better living conditions and infrastructure for the residents in the affected area.
The Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for the Defense Wall and Football Stadium, funded by my special allocation, took place at the Ward No. 23 Football Ground in DGP Nagar 1, Nashik. This event marks the beginning of significant infrastructure improvements in the area, aimed at enhancing local facilities and providing better amenities for the community.