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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

MPs rebellion ‘splits’ even some families

Mumbai: Amid the rebellion by 6 Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, at least two of them have shot into the spotlight, but for entirely different and non-political reasons – Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar (Hingoli) and Sanjay Dina-Patil (Mumbai North-East). Despite their fathers currently in the process of shifting loyalties to the Shiv Sena headed by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the son and daughter, respectively, of both these MPs have chosen to stay anchored firmly with SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray....

MPs rebellion ‘splits’ even some families

Mumbai: Amid the rebellion by 6 Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, at least two of them have shot into the spotlight, but for entirely different and non-political reasons – Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar (Hingoli) and Sanjay Dina-Patil (Mumbai North-East). Despite their fathers currently in the process of shifting loyalties to the Shiv Sena headed by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the son and daughter, respectively, of both these MPs have chosen to stay anchored firmly with SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray. They are Krishna Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Rajool Sanjay Patil and both are emerging politicians in their own right and with politically bright prospects. Rajool is a SS (UBT) Municipal Corporator from Ward No. 114 (Bhandup) in her father’ constituency, and Krishna is the official Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate for the Nanded Local Authorities constituency in the Maharashtra Legislature’s upper house. However, the abrupt rebellion by their fathers - along with four other SS (UBT) MPs has raised question marks on their own loyalties and political moorings – with the MLCs election results scheduled on Monday. A Deputy Leader from Pune guardedly said that “the same norms under the anti-defection laws for parliament would apply” at all levels, preventing the duo (Krishna and Rajool) from following in their fathers’ footsteps. “After all, there are many examples where in the same family, different members owe allegiance to different political parties. They may have made their personal political calculations and survival before taking any plunge blindly in the name of ideology,” the leader told ‘The Perfect Voice’, requesting anonymity. A Mumbai leader averred that in case the political sand slips - for whatever reasons - in the ongoing defection drama, at least all in the family may not have to pay the price for a botch-up, as “these youngsters still have a long road ahead in politics”. On June 18, when Ashtikar’s name came among the six potential turncoats, Krishna faced an embarrassing situation as the MLC polling was underway that day. Krishna quickly mouthed bites to proclaim his allegiance to Thackeray and an equally bewildered Rajool - elected as a BMC corporator just six months ago - instantly declared her support to SS (UBT) and even joined a protest against her father’s decision. Both the youngsters confronting a peculiar family-cum-political divide put up brave faces and publicly claimed that they had “absolutely no inkling” of the political coup currently underway and are firmly with Thackeray. For the present, however, the SS (UBT) camp is somewhat relieved that the damage caused by the proposed exit of the 6 MPs has not percolated to their family members, affording it time to take some proactive measures to prevent a similar scenario in the coming times. SS (UBT) Deputy Leader dares MP’s son A skeptical SS (UBT) Deputy Leader Sushma Andhare and others immediately pounced on Krishna Ashtikar, questioning the credibility of his words after his father and party MP from Hingoli Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar’s plans to switch sides. “Go and perform your father’s funeral rituals (pind-daan) immediately to prove your claims that you are different from your father…” a livid Andhare dared Krishna, who retorted by saying that he is “answerable only to the SS (UBT) supremo and none else”.

The Fighter for Reservation

Mahadev Jankar

Mahadev Jankar has dedicated his life for the cause of the Dhangar community to which he belongs. Known as a very honest and down to earth social worker, he has chosen the politics as the means to achieve the goals he has set for the community. His party, the Rashtriya Samaj Paksha, had been a part of the ruling Mahayuti for a long time. However, he was unhappy within the alliance and had announced that he is quitting the alliance. The BJP, however, left one seat for the party and now the results shall decide whether he is with the NDA or has finally quit.


Born on April 19, 1968, in the small village of Palsawade in the Satara district, Mahadev Jagannath Jankar’s journey to politics began with his education. He completed his B.Tech in Electrical Engineering with a gold medal from Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli. Despite receiving lucrative job offers, he chose to dedicate his life to social work and the upliftment of the underprivileged. His commitment to social service was so strong that he vowed never to marry or have a family of his own, focusing entirely on his mission to bring about social change.


In 2003, Jankar founded the Rashtriya Samaj Paksha, aiming to represent the interests of the backward classes and marginalized communities. His political career saw him contesting various elections, including the Madha Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and the Baramati Lok Sabha seat in 2014. Although he did not win these elections, his efforts garnered significant support and respect from the people. He put up a great fight against Supriya Sule and lost by a thin margin.


Jankar’s dedication and hard work for the Dhangar community paid off when he was elected as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) of Maharashtra on January 23, 2015. His political journey continued to ascend as he was appointed as the Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries Department in the Maharashtra government on July 8, 2016. He served in this position until November 9, 2019.


Jankar has been a vocal advocate for rights of the Dhangar community, particularly their demand for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. The Dhangars, who account for up to 9% of Maharashtra’s population, currently receive 3.5% reservation under the Nomadic Tribe (NT) category. However, they have been fighting for ST status, which would grant them 7% reservation. This demand has led to significant protests and clashes over the years, with the community feeling marginalized and overlooked by successive governments.

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