Early Life and Education
Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar was born on December 12, 1962, in Delanwadi, Maharashtra. He has a modest educational background, having completed his education up to the tenth standard. His early life was marked by his involvement in agricultural activities, given his profession as an agriculturist and businessman.
Political Career
Leader of Opposition: Wadettiwar has served as the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly twice, first from June 2019 to November 2019 and again from August 2023.
Ministerial Roles: He has held several ministerial positions, including Minister of State for Irrigation, Tribal Welfare, Environment, and Forests in the Ashok Chavan ministry, and later as Cabinet Minister for Disaster Management, Relief & Rehabilitation, and OBC Welfare in the Uddhav Thackeray ministry.
Major Achievements
Throughout his career, Wadettiwar has been instrumental in numerous initiatives and policies, especially focusing on the welfare of the OBC community. He has been a vocal advocate for the caste-based census for OBCs, a demand initially raised by Rahul Gandhi.
Key Political Initiatives
- Advocacy for OBC Census: Wadettiwar has consistently pushed for the inclusion of a caste-based census to ensure better representation and resource allocation for the OBC community.
- Labour Rights: He has been actively involved in addressing the issues faced by workers affected by the closure of industries, such as General Motors .
- Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar has warned the state government against any attempts to disturb the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota. He emphasized his commitment to the OBC cause and plans to raise the issue in the upcoming monsoon session of the state legislature. Wadettiwar’s comments came during a visit to Jalna district, where OBC activists have been protesting against a draft notification that recognizes Kunbis as blood relatives of the Maratha community, potentially affecting their OBC status.
Contributions
Wadettiwar’s contributions span various sectors, including agriculture, business, and social welfare. His efforts in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly have been aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of his constituents in Bramhapuri and beyond.
Social Media
Personal Life
Wadettiwar is married to Kiran Wadettiwar, who is also a businessperson. They reside in Delanwadi, Bramhapuri, Chandrapur, Maharashtra. He is known for his humble and approachable nature, making him a well-respected figure in his community.
Controversy
Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar has been booked for violating the model code of conduct during the Lok Sabha elections. The BJP filed a complaint against him for his controversial remarks about Hemant Karkare, the former ATS chief killed in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and Ujjwal Nikam, the special prosecutor in the 26/11 trial. Wadettiwar claimed that Karkare was not killed by terrorist Ajmal Kasab but by a policeman close to the RSS, and labeled Nikam as “anti-national” for allegedly hiding this fact.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Vijay Wadettiwar’s legacy is built on his dedication to public service and his efforts to uplift marginalized communities. As the Leader of Opposition, he continues to play a crucial role in Maharashtra’s political landscape, challenging the government and advocating for the rights of the underprivileged .
Promises and Future Commitments
Wadettiwar has made several promises during his tenure, including:
- Implementation of OBC Census: A commitment to ensure the caste-based census for OBCs is conducted for better representation (Vijay Wadettiwar).
- Support for Labour Rights: Continued efforts to protect and promote the rights of workers affected by industrial closures (Vijay Wadettiwar).