Datta Meghe, a prominent figure in Vidarbha politics and a key architect of Maharashtra's private education system, has passed away at the age of 89. His death marks the end of a career spanning over five decades, during which he held significant roles in state and national politics, as well as in the development of educational and healthcare infrastructure across rural Maharashtra. Born on November 11, 1936, in Pawnar, Wardha district, Meghe graduated with a BA from Nagpur University in 1963. After a brief stint as a development officer with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), he entered public life. His political journey began in 1978 when he was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Council, where he served three consecutive terms until 1991. During this period, he held ministerial positions in state departments such as housing, civil supplies, technical education, energy, and forests. He also served as leader of opposition in the Legislative Council. Meghe's political career expanded in 1991 when he won the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat on a Congress ticket, securing over 3.28 lakh votes. He was re-elected from Ramtek in 1996 and Wardha in 1998, earning three consecutive Lok Sabha terms. After a stint in the Rajya Sabha from 2002 to 2008, he returned to the Lok Sabha in 2009 from Wardha. His party affiliations shifted over time, aligning with Congress in 1978, joining the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 1999 after Sharad Pawar's split, and returning to Congress in 2008. The break with Congress occurred in 2014 after his son Sagar lost the Wardha Lok Sabha seat, leading the family to feel sidelined. Meghe resigned from Congress, citing neglect of Vidarbha's interests, and along with his sons Sagar and Sameer, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in July 2014.#life_insurance_corporation_of_india #nationalist_congress_party #datta_meghe #maharashtra_legislative_council
Summary of the Article: The article discusses the political dynamics in Maharashtra, particularly focusing on the Rajya Sabha elections and the strategic moves of key opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress. It highlights the following key points: Sharad Pawar's Role: Senior leader Sharad Pawar (NCP) is being considered as a candidate for the Rajya Sabha election. His health condition, which requires ongoing treatment, has limited his public appearances. However, his candidacy is seen as crucial due to his political influence and experience. The article notes that Pratibha Patil (former Chief Minister of Maharashtra) was initially considered for the Rajya Sabha seat but was not chosen due to her lack of political experience compared to Pawar. Political Alliances and Strategy: The opposition parties are consolidating their efforts to counter the ruling BJP. The article emphasizes the need for the opposition to focus on grassroots mobilization and address public grievances rather than chasing power. There is a call for unity among the opposition parties to present a united front against the BJP, which has faced criticism for governance failures. Internal Dynamics: The Shiv Sena and NCP are navigating internal tensions, with Pawar's candidacy seen as a way to strengthen their position. However, the article also mentions that the BJP's dominance in Maharashtra remains a challenge. The Congress is positioning itself as a key player in the opposition, leveraging its historical presence and appeal to urban voters. Significance of the Elections: The Rajya Sabha elections are viewed as a critical test for the opposition's ability to challenge the BJP's majority.#maharashtra #congress #rajya_sabha_elections #shiv_sena #nationalist_congress_party
