On July 27, 2025, Eknath Khadse, a well-known politician from Maharashtra, a man whose political career has been marked by dedication, achievements. Eknath Khadse is a senior leader who has served Maharashtra for decades. His life story is one of hard work, leadership, and challenges. This article explores his journey in simple words, from his early days to his current role in politics.
Early Life And Background
Eknath Khadse was born on September 2, 1952, in Kothadi village, located in Muktainagar tehsil of Jalgaon district, Maharashtra. He grew up in a simple family. His father, Ganpat Khadse, and mother, Godavari Bai Khadse, raised him with strong values. Eknath belongs to the Leva Patil community, an agrarian group in Maharashtra. His early life was humble. He saw the struggles of rural life. This shaped his desire to serve people. As a young man, he was determined to make a difference. He studied hard and developed a passion for helping his community.
Khadse’s early years were not easy. He faced many challenges. But he stayed focused. His determination led him to take part in local activities. He wanted to bring change to his village. This was the start of his journey into politics. Even as a young man, he showed leadership skills. People in his village began to notice his hard work. His early life taught him the value of perseverance. These lessons would guide him in his political career.
Eknath Khadse Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Cast, Wife, Daughter
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eknath Ganpat Khadse |
| Date of Birth | September 2, 1952 |
| Place of Birth | Kothadi village, Muktainagar tehsil, Jalgaon district, Maharashtra |
| Family Background | Parents: Ganpat Khadse (father), Godavari Bai Khadse (mother); Wife: Mandakini Khadse; Daughter: Rohini Khadse; Son: Nikhil Khadse (deceased, 2013); Daughter-in-law: Raksha Khadse (MP from Raver); Son-in-law: Pranjal Khewalkar |
| Community | Leva Patil (agrarian community in Maharashtra) |
| Education | Studied in local schools; focused on community service |
| Early Life | Grew up in a humble family; faced rural challenges; developed leadership skills early; passionate about village development |
| Political Party | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) (1980s–2020); Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (2020–present) |
| Political Career Start | 1984: Became sarpanch of Kothadi village; served until 1987; focused on village development |
| Legislative Career | 1989: Elected to Maharashtra Legislative Assembly for Muktainagar; won seat six times (1989–2019); 2020: Maharashtra Legislative Council (NCP) |
| Key Political Roles | Minister for Finance and Irrigation (1995–1999); Leader of Opposition (2009–2014); Revenue Minister (2014–2016) |
| Major Contributions | Worked for farmers; rural development; land reforms; strengthened BJP in North Maharashtra; Ram Janmabhoomi movement leader |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
| Move to NCP | October 2020: Left BJP, joined NCP; daughter Rohini joined as well |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Family in Politics | Daughter-in-law Raksha Khadse: MP from Raver (BJP); Daughter Rohini Khadse: NCP women’s wing state president |
| Zodiac sign | update soon |
| Legacy | Known for resilience; influential in North Maharashtra; inspires young leaders; continues to serve through NCP |
Entry Into Politics
Eknath Khadse entered politics in the 1980s. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). At that time, the BJP was growing in Maharashtra. Khadse saw it as a chance to serve. He started as a small worker in the party. He worked hard to build the BJP’s presence in North Maharashtra. His efforts paid off. In 1984, he became the sarpanch of Kothadi village. This was his first big role. He served as sarpanch until 1987. During this time, he worked to improve his village. He focused on roads, water, and schools.
In 1989, Khadse took a bigger step. He contested the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly election from Muktainagar. He won the seat. This was a proud moment for him. He went on to win the same seat six times in a row until 2019. His victories showed his popularity. People trusted him. He worked for farmers and rural areas. His speeches were simple but powerful. He connected with the common man. This made him a strong leader in Maharashtra politics.
Rise In the BJP
Khadse’s hard work helped him rise in the BJP. In the 1990s, he became a key figure. He was close to Gopinath Munde, a senior BJP leader. In 1995, Khadse got a big opportunity. He became a minister in the Maharashtra government. The government was led by Chief Minister Manohar Joshi. Khadse handled important roles like finance and irrigation. He served from 1995 to 1999. His work was appreciated. He focused on development projects. He wanted to improve the lives of farmers and villagers.
Later, when Narayan Rane became Chief Minister, Khadse continued as a minister. He showed his ability to work with different leaders. His experience grew. He learned how to manage big responsibilities. In the 1990s, he also took part in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. He led karsevaks during this time. This showed his commitment to his beliefs. But it also brought him into the spotlight. His actions were bold and sometimes controversial.
Leadership
From 2009 to 2014, Khadse served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly. This was a big role. He led the BJP against the ruling government. His leadership was strong. He raised important issues. He spoke for the people of Maharashtra. His work helped the BJP win the 2014 assembly election. After the victory, Khadse became a minister again. He took charge of the Revenue Department. He worked on land reforms and other policies. His goal was to make the system fair for everyone.
But Khadse’s career was not without problems. In 2005, he faced a setback. He was suspended from the Maharashtra Assembly for six months. This happened because he made remarks against the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Khadse apologized, but the incident hurt his image. Despite this, he bounced back. He continued to serve his people. His ability to recover from setbacks showed his strength. People admired his determination.
Joining the NCP
In October 2020, Khadse made a big decision. He left the BJP and joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). This was a surprising move. He had been with the BJP for over 30 years. He joined the NCP led by Sharad Pawar. The NCP welcomed him. He was made a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council. Khadse wanted to continue serving the people. He felt the NCP gave him a new platform. His daughter, Rohini Khadse, also joined the NCP. She became the state president of the NCP’s women’s wing.
Khadse’s move to the NCP was not easy. Some BJP leaders criticized him. But he stayed focused. He worked to strengthen the NCP in North Maharashtra. He also supported his daughter-in-law, Raksha Khadse, who stayed with the BJP. Raksha is a Member of Parliament from Raver. She is serving her third term. Khadse’s family remained active in politics, despite challenges. His ability to balance family and politics showed his leadership.
Personal Life And Family
Khadse’s personal life has seen both joy and sorrow. He is married to Mandakini Khadse. They have a daughter, Rohini. In 2013, Khadse faced a deep loss. His son, Nikhil, Nikhil was married to Raksha Khadse, who later became an MP. Despite this tragedy, Khadse stayed strong. He supported his family and continued his work. His resilience inspired many people.
Raksha Khadse, his daughter-in-law, has made a name for herself. She became an MP at the age of 26. She is now a Minister of State for Youth and Sports. Khadse is proud of her success. His daughter, Rohini, is also active in politics. She leads the NCP’s women’s wing. Khadse’s family has faced challenges, but they remain united. Their bond is strong. They support each other in good and bad times.
Recent Developments
In July 2025, Khadse was back in the news. His son-in-law, Pranjal Khewalkar, was arrested in a police raid in Pune. The raid targeted a rave party in Kharadi. Police found drugs, liquor, and hookah setups. Pranjal, a doctor, was among seven people detained. Khadse reacted to the news. He said there might be a political motive behind the raid. He demanded a fair investigation. Some opposition leaders, like Sushma Andhare of Shiv Sena (UBT), supported him. They said the raid could be a warning to those against the government.
This incident added to Khadse’s challenges. He has faced many controversies in his career. But he has always stood firm. He believes in fighting for the truth. His supporters see him as a fighter. They admire his courage. The Pune incident is still under investigation. Khadse is waiting for the truth to come out. He remains active in the NCP and continues to serve Maharashtra.
Legacy And Impact
Eknath Khadse’s journey is one of ups and downs. He started as a village leader. He rose to become a key figure in Maharashtra politics. His work for farmers and rural areas is well-known. He has faced controversies, but he never gave up. His move to the NCP showed his willingness to adapt. He continues to inspire young leaders. His family’s involvement in politics shows his influence. Khadse’s story is about hard work, resilience, and service.
Today, Khadse remains a respected figure. His supporters see him as a leader who fights for the people. His critics point to his controversies. But no one can deny his impact. He has shaped politics in North Maharashtra. His life teaches us to stay strong in tough times. Eknath Khadse’s story is far from over. He continues to work for his people. His journey is a lesson in courage and determination.