Early Life and Education:
Varsha Eknath Gaikwad was born on February 3, 1975, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. She belongs to the Dalit Magasvasrgiya community and grew up with financial difficulties. Varsha is a first-generation learner in her family who studied beyond the 10th grade. She holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed).
Political Career:
Varsha Gaikwad first entered politics in 2004 when she won the Dharavi (SC) Assembly seat, a constituency she has consistently represented for four consecutive terms. Her political career took off rapidly as she became a minister in Maharashtra’s Congress-NCP government, holding various important portfolios. Notably, she served as the Minister of School Education in the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, where she focused on improving education access and quality across Maharashtra. Previously, she held roles as Minister of State for Higher and Technical Education, and Women and Child Development, showing her versatility and commitment to social development.
In 2023, Gaikwad was appointed the Mumbai Congress chief, a historic moment for the party as she became the first woman to assume this role. Her leadership aims to rejuvenate the party in the lead-up to significant elections such as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha: Representing the Mumbai North Central constituency since June 24, 2024.
Major Achievements:
- Educational Reforms: As Maharashtra’s Education Minister, Gaikwad spearheaded multiple initiatives to modernize the education system. During her tenure, she introduced new teaching methodologies and played a crucial role in supporting education during the COVID-19 pandemic through online learning platforms.
- Women Empowerment: While serving as the Minister for Women and Child Development, Gaikwad pushed for policies that focused on women’s rights and welfare, striving to improve living conditions and access to essential services for marginalized women.
- Inclusive Politics: A firm believer in unity, she continues to emphasize the need for harmony and development, a principle ingrained in her by her father, Eknath Gaikwad. Her mantra, “Hum Sab Ek Hain” (We are all one), underscores her commitment to inclusive politics.
Key Political Initiatives:
- Education during COVID-19: She played a critical role in ensuring students’ education was not disrupted during the pandemic by integrating digital learning into Maharashtra’s education system.
- Women and Child Welfare: As a minister in multiple portfolios, Varsha has pushed for initiatives aimed at bettering the lives of marginalized communities, particularly women and children.
Allegations on Maharashtra Government:
Social Media and Public Engagement:
Personal Life:
As the daughter of a respected political leader, Gaikwad’s life has been heavily influenced by her father’s values. Her personal and political life are intertwined with her dedication to social upliftment and equality.
Controversies:
Nepotism Allegations: Varsha Gaikwad faced allegations of nepotism in Dharavi as the Congress party prepared for the Maharashtra elections. Reports suggested that she was pushing for her sister, Jyoti Gaikwad, to secure a Congress ticket in Dharavi and her brother in the Sion Koliwada constituency. This led to accusations of family favoritism.
Unlawful Assembly: The Mumbai police registered a case of unlawful assembly against Varsha Gaikwad and other Congress members for allegedly gathering outside the BMC office and Mantralaya in south Mumbai without seeking prior permission.
Promises and Future Commitments:
Dharavi Redevelopment Project: Varsha Gaikwad has promised to push for a White Paper on the Dharavi redevelopment project if the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comes to power in Maharashtra. She has been vocal about reviewing every decision related to gifting lands for the project.
Land Allotment Review: Gaikwad has committed to reviewing the allotment of lands, including the 124 acres of the Deonar dumping ground, 140 acres in Madh, and 255 acres of salt-pan land, which were allocated for the Dharavi redevelopment project.
Public Engagement and Transparency: She has promised to ensure transparency in the decision-making process for the Dharavi redevelopment project and to involve the public in discussions and decisions.
Varsha Gaikwad, MLA from Dharavi, celebrated a major victory for the residents of Bandra East, particularly in areas like Beharam Pada, Garib Nagar, Naupada, and Ghas Bazar. After years of delay in development projects, Gaikwad’s efforts, alongside the Congress, have led to the District Magistrate’s decision to re-survey the land. This re-survey will correct past errors and bring the land, currently shown in the railway boundary, under Maharashtra’s ownership. This decision is expected to provide relief to thousands of residents and pave the way for redevelopment of their homes.
Varsha Gaikwad, MLA from Dharavi, has promised to address long-standing issues related to water supply in her constituency, including areas like Kalina, Kurla, and Chembur. After receiving numerous complaints about water shortages and frequent leaks in water lines, Gaikwad met with the Hydraulic Engineer of the BMC at Worli. She raised concerns about the delayed construction of additional water lines in the H West ward, which has been pending for two years. She also highlighted water supply problems in Dharavi and demanded quick resolutions to these issues from the BMC authorities.