Madhavrao Bayaji Gaikwad passes away due to age-related illnesses

Former CPI legislator and freedom fighter Madhavrao Bayaji Gaikwad died here in Maharashtra on Monday morning due to old age-related illnesses, said family sources.

He was 95 and is survived by a wife and a daughter, they said. Popularly known as Babuji, Gaikwad was born on July 18, 1924, at Manmad in this North Maharashtra district. He took part in the freedom struggle and later served as a legislator of the CPI.

He was a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council from 1957-1962. Gaikwad became the first Leader of Opposition in the Council and held the post from 1960 to 1962.

The CPI leader contested from the Manmad-Nandgaon assembly constituency and got elected in 1985. Gaikwad also served as president of the Manmad Municipal Council from 1974 to 81 and fought for the welfare of farmers.

The funeral of Gaikwad will take place at Manmad Tuesday at around 10 am.