Early Life and Education
Shankarrao Gadakh hails from an influential political family in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. His father, Yashwantrao Gadakh, was a prominent politician and former MP, known for his leadership in regional development. Shankarrao was raised with a strong foundation in politics and public service, which shaped his career trajectory. He was born on May 29, 1970, in Sonai, Maharashtra. He completed his Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) from Ahmednagar College, Pune, in 1992.
Political Career
Shankarrao Gadakh represents the Newasa constituency in Ahmednagar and is currently aligned with the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction. His political journey began with grassroots involvement, eventually securing key leadership roles, including the chairmanship of the Mula Cooperative Sugar Factory between 1994 and 2005. He also served as the Chairman of the Ahmednagar District Central Cooperative Bank in 2007-08. In 2009, he was elected as an MLA, later re-elected in 2019.
Shankarrao is closely associated with NCP chief Sharad Pawar and has been an ardent supporter of Uddhav Thackeray during the Shiv Sena factional split. He was appointed as the Minister of Water Conservation in the Maha Vikas Aghadi government (2019-2022), where he played a significant role in water management initiatives across drought-prone regions in Maharashtra.
Major Achievements
- Water Conservation Initiatives: As the Minister of Water Conservation, Shankarrao Gadakh emphasized effective water management techniques, introducing several water conservation projects to tackle drought situations in rural areas. His work in this sector has been praised for mitigating water scarcity in regions like Ahmednagar.
- Agriculture Development: Gadakh has worked extensively to support farmers in his constituency, pushing for sustainable farming practices and advocating for the agricultural sector’s growth through modern irrigation methods and crop diversification strategies.
Key Political Initiatives
MLA support the hunger strike against the floating solar power project on the Jayakwadi Reservoir, reflecting his commitment to the community’s concerns regarding the project’s potential impacts.
Social Media
Personal Life
Shankarrao remains committed to his family legacy, maintaining close ties with the political leaders in Maharashtra. His simple lifestyle and dedication to public service have earned him a reputation for being approachable and focused on grassroots-level issues.
Promises and Future Commitments
MLA Shankarrao Gadakh has initiated significant infrastructure improvements in his constituency with the Bhoomipujan ceremony for the widening, strengthening, and asphalting of the Mukindpur-Pichdgaon to Gevrai road. This development project, which amounts to ₹15 crores and 94 lakhs, aims to enhance connectivity and promote better transportation in the region. The project is expected to greatly benefit local residents by improving road safety and accessibility.
MLA inaugurated a ₹11 crore trader complex in Kukana Upavar, supported by local dignitaries. The complex aims to empower youth to start businesses, support their families, and enhance the local market, promoting economic development in the area.
During a visit to Maka for a taluka workers’ meeting, MLA announced the widening, strengthening, and asphalting of the road from Maka to Mahalakshmi Hivre under the budget (50-54)
During a tour in Mhasle, Gondegaon, and Pichdgaon for a taluka activists’ meeting, MLA conducted the Bhoomipujan and dedication ceremony for development works under the Budget (50-54) scheme
Videos and Interviews