Early Life and Education
Shankarrao Gadakh was born on May 29, 1970, in the village of Sonai, Maharashtra. He pursued his education locally, earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Ahmednagar College, Pune, in 1992. His early life was marked by a strong commitment to social service and community development.
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
Shankarrao has been instrumental in driving several initiatives aimed at rural development:
- Irrigation Projects: Focused on improving irrigation systems, ensuring efficient water usage for agriculture in drought-prone areas of Maharashtra.
- Infrastructure Development: He has pushed for better road connectivity and public infrastructure in Newasa, ensuring access to essential services for rural populations.
Controversy
Employee Suicide Allegations
In November 2021, Shankarrao Gadakh faced serious allegations from the BJP regarding the suicide of a 27-year-old man who had allegedly served as his personal assistant. The BJP demanded Gadakh’s resignation, claiming that the man had mentioned Gadakh in a video recorded before his death.
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
During his tenure as MLA, Shankarrao has made several promises to his constituents:
- Improving Water Supply: He has committed to furthering water conservation projects, ensuring year-round water availability for irrigation.
- Farmers’ Welfare: Shankarrao continues to pledge support to farmers by advocating for better access to technology, sustainable practices, and market opportunities for their produce.
MLA Shankarrao Gadakh inaugurated the ₹11 crore Grand Commercial Complex at the Nevasa Agricultural Produce Market Committee in Kukana. The event featured prominent dignitaries and aims to encourage local youth to engage in business, supporting their families and boosting market growth. This initiative is set to enhance the development and prosperity of the Kukana area.
During a visit to Maka for a meeting with taluka workers, MLA Paraji Lobhaji Nangre announced the widening, strengthening, and asphalting of the road from Maka to Mahalakshmi Hivre, funded by the budget (50-54) at a cost of ₹50 lakh. He, along with Mr. Namdev Gangadhar Dagde and Mr. Ramdas Ghule, engaged with local residents, discussing various issues with village elders, activists, and youth.
During a tour in Mhasle, Gondegaon, and Pichdgaon for a meeting with taluka activists, MLA conducted the Bhoomipujan and dedication ceremony for development works under the Budget (50-54) scheme, costing ₹50 lakh. Meetings were held at Bhairavanath Temple in Mhasle, Hanuman Temple in Gondegaon, and Hanuman Temple in Pichdgaon, where discussions took place with village elders, activists, and youth on various topics.
Videos and Interviews