As Raksha Khadse, the three-time BJP MP from Maharashtra's Raver, joins Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ministry, she is being recognized for her hard work and resilience. Known for her strong grassroots connection, the daughter-in-law of Eknath Khadse won the 2024 Lok Sabha election by nearly 3 lakh votes.
Despite BJP candidates facing defeat in several Maharashtra seats amid new political alignments, Raksha Khadse stood out as a symbol of resilience. The two-time BJP MP from Raver secured a significant victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, winning by nearly 3 lakh votes.
Raksha Khadse is now joining Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ministry in its third consecutive term.
She is the daughter-in-law of Eknath Khadse, an NCP leader from the Sharad Pawar faction who has decided to return to the BJP. Raksha's husband, Nikhil Khadse, passed away in 2013.
Raksha Khadse has been noted for her personal strength and resilience, with photos of her holding her two young children becoming popular on social media, showcasing her ability to balance personal and political responsibilities.
Born in Khetia, Madhya Pradesh, Raksha Khadse began her political career at the grassroots level, serving as the Sarpanch of Kothadi village and later as a member of the Jalgaon Zila Parishad.
Her early success in local politics led to her election as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, where she defeated Manish Jain of the NCP by a margin of 318,608 votes.
At 26, she became one of the youngest MPs in the 16th Lok Sabha, alongside Heena Gavit. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Khadse was re-elected for a second term as MP of Raver, defeating Ulhas Patil of the Congress by a margin of 335,882 votes.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, she retained her Raver seat, defeating the nearest NCP-Sharad Pawar candidate by a margin of 272,183 votes.
According to her X profile, Raksha Khadse is passionate about women’s empowerment, child education, and farmers' welfare. Her political priorities include addressing water shortages in the Jalgaon region and improving road connectivity, essential for infrastructure and education. She has also secured partial funding for an irrigation plant in Raver.
Raksha Khadse’s induction into Narendra Modi's Union ministry is a testament to her resilience and dedication.
