Vijay Wadettiwar: The Congress leader hoping to topple BJP in Vidarbha

Vijay Wadettiwar has served five terms as an MLA, beginning his political career in Chimur for three terms before moving to Bramhapuri in 2014.

Published on: Oct 30, 2024, 20:41:19 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Vijay Wadettiwar, the leader of opposition in Maharashtra and a key Congress leader has filed his nomination for the Vidarbha region and aims to win a historic victory for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

Vijay Wadettiwar along with his daughter, during the monsoon session at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai. (File Photo). ((Anshuman Poyrekar/HT Photo))

Wadettiwar has served five terms as an MLA, beginning his political career in Chimur for three terms before moving to Bramhapuri in 2014.

He secured a victory in Bramhapuri, marking the Congress party's return after more than twenty years. Since then, he has maintained the party's presence in Vidarbha, gaining support in Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Bhandara, Gondiya districts, and contributing to the party's performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

As a senior OBC leader from eastern Vidarbha, he takes part in efforts to support the OBC, ST, and SC communities. During his tenure as Maharashtra’s minister for OBC welfare, he introduced initiatives to skill youth, establish pilot training in Nagpur and expand access to higher education with UPSC and MPSC coaching centers.

He is credited with being involved in programs that, along with scholarships from the Mahajyoti initiative, have supported many students.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Wadettiwar was the disaster management Minister. The Uddhav Thackeray government handled the crisis and Wadettiwar helped migrant workers get back to their hometowns, supporting Maharashtrians working outside the state.

As leader of opposition, Wadettiwar has focused on holding the government accountable. His position on issues such as agrarian distress and unemployment has helped him gain support. Wadettiwar is campaigning across Vidarbha, aiming to bring change and strengthen Congress’s presence in this important region.

Vijay Wadettiwar’s journey from grassroots politics to a prominent role in the INC reflects his focus on Vidarbha and the OBC community. Support from the OBC community has contributed to his position in Maharashtra’s political scene, where he promises progress in Vidarbha.

He also had a conflict with Pratibha Dhanorkar, the member of Parliament from Chandrapur Lok Sabha constituency. However, KC Venugopal reportedly urged them to work together and move past their differences. A meeting was held in New Delhi where both leaders were called.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.