Davkhares become first father-son duo in council

For the first time in the history of the legislative council, both father and son are the members of the house at the same time. Niranjan Davkhare, 33, who was sworn in as a member of the legislative council (MLC) on Monday (see box), is the son of NCP leader and deputy chairman of the council Vasant Davkhare, 63.

For the first time in the history of the legislative council, both father and son are the members of the house at the same time. Niranjan Davkhare, 33, who was sworn in as a member of the legislative council (MLC) on Monday (see box), is the son of NCP leader and deputy chairman of the council Vasant Davkhare, 63.

HT Image

Niranjan was elected in the biennial elections of the Konkan graduates’ constituency.

Vasant Davkhare has been a part of the legislative council since 1992. He started as a local corporator in Thane in 1986 and went on to become the mayor of the city in 1998.

Niranjan was the president of the Maharashtra Students’ Congress, NCP’s youth wing, and is the president of NGO Samanvay Pratishthan.

“My father was part of the social movement. I followed in his footsteps and now Niranjan, too, is carrying the legacy forward,” said Vasant Davkhare.

The Davkhares have joined the league of NCP ministers Chhagan Bhujbal and Ganesh Naik whose sons Pankaj Bhujbal and Sandeep Naik have also been elected to the same house. While the Bhujbals and Naiks are in the assembly, Davkhares are in the upper house of the legislature.

About his debut in the council, Niranjan said, “Since my father will be watching my activities, I will have to put in double the effort to prove myself.”

The legislative council also saw the swearing-in of four legislators who won the graduates’ and teachers’ constituency elections.