Marathwada is the crucial region for the BJP in this 2024 assembly election. After the Maratha quota agitation caused much damage to the party in Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, the party is worried about its performance in Marathwada and the only hope it has rests on the shoulders of former union minister and former state unit president of the party Raosaheb Danve-Patil.
Born in a traditionally landlord family of Bhokardan in Jalna district of Marathwada on March 18, 1955, Raosaheb Danve-Patil’s political journey began in the early 1980s when he joined the BJP. He was among the first few electoral success stories of the political party which was known for principled politics back then. Building up his career from the Sarpanch to Panchayat Samiti, ZP and the assembly Danve-Patil has been elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Jalna constituency multiple times, showcasing his strong support base in the region.
In the internal party dynamics, he always sided with Gopinath Munde, who had his roots in Maharashtra. After sudden death of Munde, Danve-Patil’s political career took a big leap. Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in the Narendra Modi-led government. But was made the state unit president of BJP when the party was firmly in the power at centre as well as the state. During his leadership, he played a crucial role in strengthening the party’s organizational structure and expanding its reach across the state. His efforts were instrumental in the BJP’s success in various elections, including the 2019 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections, where the party emerged as the single largest party.
Danve’s political career is filled with controversies. He has faced allegations of corruption and misuse of power, which have led to legal battles and investigations. Recently his video went viral over the social media where he is seen kicking a supporter to push him out of the camera frame. However, being a good organizer and a leader with ground connect such controversies have hardly affected him.
After being re-elected to parliament In 2019, Danve-Patil became the Minister of State for Railways. He toiled for improving the railway infrastructure in the state and especially the Marathwada region. However, that didn’t help him win 2024 Lok Sabha.
Danve’s leadership style is characterized by his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He is known for his extensive tours of his constituency, where he interacts directly with the people, listens to their grievances, and works towards addressing their issues. His down-to-earth personality and dedication to public service have earned him a loyal following.
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