Early Life and Education
Vaibhav Vijay Naik was born on March 26, 1975, in Kankavli, Sindhudurg district. He completed his education at Kankavli College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2006.
Political Career
Naik is a member of the Shiv Sena (now Shiv Sena-UBT) and has been an MLA from Kudal since 2014. He defeated BJP candidate and Union Minister Narayan Rane in a high-profile election that symbolized his rising influence in the party. In the Maharashtra Assembly, he is known for championing issues related to farmers, local infrastructure, and youth welfare.
Major Achievements
Throughout his political career, Vaibhav Naik has consistently worked on initiatives that benefit the people of his constituency. Some of his key achievements include organizing medical and blood donation camps, providing scholarships to underprivileged students, and actively participating in relief efforts during the natural calamities that affected farmers in his region. He is known for organizing cultural events such as the Kudal Kite Festival, which helps promote local tourism and culture.
Key Political Initiatives
MLA Vaibhav Naik has requested State Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde to ensure that insurance compensation for the Ambia Bahar 2023-24 fruit crop scheme is disbursed to farmers in Sindhudurg district before Ganesh Chaturthi. Naik highlighted that 42,190 farmers have coverage for nearly 20,000 hectares under this scheme. He stressed the need for timely payments, as last year’s compensation was delayed until November. Munde has directed the Deputy Chief Secretary to prepare a proposal to expedite the process.
MLA Vaibhav Naik led a protest against the Shinde-Fadnavis government regarding the mismanagement of Sindhudurg Government Medical College. The Shiv Sena warned of escalating agitation if the government does not improve facilities within a month. Naik criticized the absence of teacher recruitment and construction delays, alleging an attempt to close the college. Protesters condemned the government’s negligence, citing a ₹12 lakh fine from the National Medical Commission for inadequate resources
MLA Vaibhav Naik successfully urged the Sindhudurg district authorities to expedite the appointment of candidates for vacant Police Patil posts. Despite the list of eligible candidates being published months ago, appointments had been delayed, causing financial losses for many qualified individuals. Naik met with District Collector Kishore Tawde, who then instructed the Kudal District Magistrate to announce the appointments promptly
Controversy
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Vaibhav Naik and his supporters were booked for allegedly vandalizing the Public Works Department (PWD) office in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. The incident occurred after the collapse of a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort, which had been unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2023.
Social Media and Public Engagement
Personal Life
Vaibhav Naik leads a modest lifestyle and is closely connected to his roots in the Sindhudurg district. His family and local background have shaped his deep understanding of the issues faced by his people, making him an empathetic and committed public servant.
Promises and Future Commitments
MLA Vaibhav Naik, from Varad, initiated the construction of a devotee residence and hall at Shree Rane Maharaj Math in Kusarve-Varad. The project received Rs. 1 crore funding under the Regional Tourism Development Scheme during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. Naik played a key role in securing this fund by approaching the then Tourism Minister Aditya Thackeray. The tender process has been completed, and the project’s foundation stone (Bhumi Pujan) was laid by Naik, marking a significant step in promoting regional tourism and providing facilities for devotees.
MLA Vaibhav Naik successfully advocated for khaki uniforms for security guards under the Security Guard Board in Maharashtra. This initiative, approved by the Labor Department, includes blue caps featuring the board’s logo, and black belts and boots. Naik emphasized the need for proper recognition of security guards during the winter session in Nagpur, highlighting their critical role in various sectors. The guards expressed gratitude for Naik’s efforts to fulfill this longstanding demand.
Videos and Interviews