Early Life and Education
Rajesh Raghunath Patil was born on June 1, 1975 and raised in Vasai Taluka, Palghar district, Maharashtra. where he developed a strong connection with his community from an early age. He completed his degree from Vartak College, Vasai (Mumbai University) in 1994.
Political Career
- Patil is a member of the 14th Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra.
- Since 2019, he has represented the Boisar constituency and is affiliated with the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi party.
- In the 2019 elections, he defeated his nearest rival, Shiv Sena candidate and current MLA Vilas Tare, by a margin of 2,752 votes.
- Rajesh Raghunath Patil contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Palghar constituency as a candidate from the Bahujan Vikas Aaghadi (BVA). He secured the third position with 18.5% of the vote share, receiving 2,54,517 votes. The election was won by Dr. Hemant Vishnu Savara from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who garnered 43.69% of the vote share.
Major Achievements
One of Rajesh Patil’s major achievements includes his role in infrastructure development in Thane. Under his leadership, several road and bridge projects have been initiated, improving connectivity and easing traffic congestion in the city. Additionally, Patil has been instrumental in enhancing the public transport system, making it more accessible and efficient for the residents of Thane.
Key Political Initiatives
MLA Rajesh Patil alleged in the Assembly that a survey by Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation was unfairly leading to house demolitions in old Gram Panchayat areas. He demanded that the survey be stopped and increased rents on these properties be canceled. In response, Industry Minister Uday Samant assured that the issue would be investigated. (Loksatta)
Personal Life
Patil is married to Rajshree Patil, and they have two sons named Shivam and Shaurya Patil.
Legacy and Future Prospects
MLA Rajesh Patil has outlined an ambitious plan to transform the Palghar Lok Sabha constituency, emphasizing that the area’s development has stagnated over the past decade. Patil argues that the previous MPs failed to make a significant impact, particularly on critical issues like railways and local infrastructure. “MPs in the last ten years could not make a mark of development in Palghar Lok Sabha Constituency,” Patil stated, noting that although funds were allocated in the past, including Rs. 3000 crore for Vasai-Virar city, subsequent development efforts have been lackluster.
Patil is keen to differentiate his approach from previous political strategies. “We are neither B team nor A team of BJP. We are not auctioned like players in IPL. We are self-sufficient,” he asserted. He recalls past collaborations, such as supporting Congress to address local issues like the Rs. 200 crore water scheme for Vasai-Virar. Patil emphasizes that his party’s support is not a mere transaction but a commitment to improving the region.
Key Initiatives and Demands:
- Infrastructure and Development: Patil plans to address long-neglected infrastructure issues, focusing on enhancing roads, water supply, and electricity. He stresses that development efforts should be driven by efficiency rather than party affiliations.
- Tourism Promotion: Recognizing the potential of tourism in Palghar, Patil aims to create a tourism development plan to boost local and state tourism. This includes increasing train services and facilities to attract tourists and support the local economy.
- Education and Health: Patil highlights the need for improved education and health services in the tribal district of Palghar. He advocates for an agricultural college to enhance farming practices, a dairy development scheme to complement agriculture, and better educational facilities. Additionally, he supports establishing a dedicated hospital for workers, along with clinics and medical staff.
- Skill Development and Employment: With Palghar’s proximity to Mumbai, Patil is focused on creating job opportunities through skill-based training programs. He aims to establish organizations for training youths to improve their employment prospects both locally and beyond.
- Women’s Empowerment and Water Schemes: Addressing the challenge of water scarcity, Patil emphasizes the need for large-scale regional water schemes to alleviate the burden on women who often spend significant time fetching water. He also advocates for initiatives to support women’s self-employment. (EtvBharat)