Chandrakant Patil: Gutsy Shiv Sainik Who Dismantled NCP Leader Eknath Khadse’s Politics

Through sheer courage, the Shiv Sainiks have spread the name of Shiv Sena to every corner of the state, establishing dynamic leadership across districts-a true success for the Shiv Sena.

These Sainiks dismantled the strongholds of dynastic politics, putting established leaders, who had ruled districts for decades, to the test.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/ChandrakantNPatil5

Emerging from humble backgrounds, these Shiv Sainiks have become inspirations for youth. One such Shiv Sainik is Chandrakant Patil, MLA from Muktainagar in Jalgaon district.

Chandrakant Patil started as an ordinary Shiv Sainik within the organisation. Through his hard work, he gradually expanded his network, becoming a significant figure in Jalgaon district. Known for his aggressive approach, Patil laid a solid foundation for Shiv Sena in every corner of Jalgaon district.

Once a bastion for former BJP Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse, Jalgaon district was entirely under Khadse's control, who dominated almost all power centres there.

Khadse's influence was so strong that even BJP MLA Girish Mahajan struggled to establish himself in the district. However, Chandrakant Patil was the one who dared to challenge Khadse's considerable power.

Defeating Eknath Khadse's Daughter

Muktainagar in Jalgaon district was Eknath Khadse's constituency. Despite being the Shiv Sena district chief, Patil contested as an independent candidate in the 2019 assembly elections from Muktainagar, which was allotted to the BJP as part of the alliance.

Running independently, Patil decisively defeated Eknath Khadse's daughter, Rohini Khadse, securing his place in the Legislative Assembly.

Supporting Eknath Shinde

In 2019, Uddhav Thackeray served as the Shiv Sena party chief and later became Chief Minister, though most MLAs and ministers remained loyal to Eknath Shinde. During Shinde's rebellion, a majority of Shiv Sena MLAs preferred to back him. Independent MLA Chandrakant Patil also led in supporting Shinde.

Benefit of the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Scheme to 40,000 People

After Eknath Shinde became Chief Minister, Patil's political stature significantly increased. Patil has not only focused on his legislative responsibilities but has also given considerable attention to organisational work.

His initiative led to a 300-kilometre-long "Kisan Marg" in Raver taluka. Additionally, through Patil's efforts, the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Scheme was vigorously implemented, benefiting 40,000 people in his constituency.

In Bodwad taluka, he secured a water supply scheme worth Rs 100 crore and accelerated a Rs 12 crore irrigation project for the Bodwad area. His efforts in providing roads, water, and government schemes to the grassroots level have been truly commendable.

Benefit of the Ladki Bahan Scheme to 36,000 Women

The "Ladki Bahan" scheme is a milestone initiative of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. All Mahayuti MLAs effectively implemented it in their constituencies, ensuring maximum benefits to local women. Patil enabled around 36,834 women in his constituency to benefit from this scheme.

Eknath Khadse's Credibility at Stake

In the 2024 assembly election, Shinde has once again fielded Chandrakant Patil from Muktainagar, where he will again face Eknath Khadse's daughter, Rohini Khadse. In the previous election, the Muktainagar contest was fiercely fought and attracted statewide attention.

Since 2019, Khadse has frequently shifted his political stance, leaving his current allegiance uncertain. His daughter-in-law Raksha Khadse is a BJP minister at the Centre, while his daughter Rohini is contesting from Muktainagar on a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) ticket.

Meanwhile, Eknath Khadse himself has claimed to have rejoined the BJP. Khadse's own actions have risked his political credibility. Given the current political climate in Muktainagar, analysts believe that conditions favour Chandrakant Patil.