The Rise of Raksha Khadse: From Sarpanch to Lok Sabha Stalwart

Raksha Khadse's journey from sarpanch to three-term Lok Sabha member is a tale of resilience and determination. She entered politics after her husband's tragic death, clinching the Raver seat in 2014. Despite personal challenges, Khadse has emerged as a significant political figure in Maharashtra, continuously increasing her electoral margins.

It was a twist of fate that thrust Raksha Khadse, a three-term Lok Sabha member from Raver in North Maharashtra, into the crucible of national politics.

Raksha Khadse, 37, the daughter-in-law of former BJP leader Eknath Khadse, began her political journey as a sarpanch in Kothali village in 2010, the family's native place in Jalgaon district.

Her husband, Nikhil's tragic suicide in 2013 after narrowly losing a Maharashtra Legislative Council election to NCP leader Manish Jain, spurred her to contest the Raver Lok Sabha seat in 2014.

At just 26, Raksha Khadse won the Raver seat, defeating NCP candidate Manish Jain, thus avenging her husband's defeat.

Her campaign, bolstered by her appearance with her two children, resonated with voters, leading to a victory margin of over three lakh votes.

In the 2019 general elections, she increased her margin to 3.35 lakh votes and won again in 2024 by 2.72 lakh votes against NCP nominee Shriram Patil.

Hailing from the influential Leva Patil community of North Maharashtra, Raksha Khadse said, "It is a matter of happiness that the party has given me a great responsibility. It will be my endeavour to work with dedication for the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

With a B.Sc degree in computer science, Khadse has been involved in several social welfare projects, underscoring her commitment to public service.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)