This is an archive article published on February 4, 2024
Who is Mahesh Gaikwad? Brewing for years, rivalry boils over
Recently, Mahesh's supporters put up a banner on his birthday where he was mentioned as being an upcoming MLA from Kalyan (East). Sources said this had irked Ganpat.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at the hospital where Mahesh Gaikwad is being treated in Thane on Saturday. (Express File Photo)
Mahesh Gaikwad, who was shot at six times by BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad, is the Shinde Sena’s Kalyan (East) city chief and a former corporator from the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal corporation (KDMC).
The rivalry between Mahesh Gaikwad and Ganpat Gaikwad is not new with a murky past. Tensions had been brewing between the two leaders for several years and they have openly traded accusations against each other on different issues in the past. Their political rivalry was well known in Kalyan town’s political circle.
Mahesh Gaikwad, who is considered to be close to CM Shinde’s son Shrikant,is also the Member of Parliament from the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency, which Kalyan (East) falls under. Mahesh was reportedly also preparing for the Assembly polls from the Kalyan (East) constituency, where Ganpat Gaikwad is a sitting MLA from the BJP.
Recently, Mahesh’s supporters put up a banner on his birthday where he was mentioned as being an upcoming MLA from Kalyan (East). Sources said this had irked Ganpat.
Ganpat Gaikwad, a three-time MLA who had joined the BJP in 2019, is considered to be a strong critic of CM Shinde and recently made a statement that the BJP should field it’s own candidate for the Lok Sabha elections from Kalyan instead of giving the seat to Shrikant Shinde during the seat sharing allocation.
In August 2023, the two leaders had clashed over a stalled development work. The two had called on each other for an open debate at the KDMC ward office in Kalyan to discuss who stalled the development work, leading to a face off between them. The police managed to detain Mahesh Gaikwad before he reached the debate, bringing the situation under control.
The issue, however, was not resolved, with the trading of accusations continuing on social media. BJP’s Kalyan district president Nana Suryawanshi had sought CM Eknath Shinde’s intervention to stop Mahesh Gaikwad from making further statements against the MLA.
Story continues below this ad
Last year in September, Gaikwad had again alleged that Shrikant Shinde was suppressing BJP workers and didn’t allow development work to take place in his constituency. He also termed Shinde Sena workers and functionaries as goons. Without naming the Shinde Sena, he targeted the faction by saying even if they have the Dhanushya Baan (bow and arrow party poll symbol of Shiv Sena), then the BJP has a rocket and the party will use it when the time comes.
This had prompted Mahesh Gaikwad to respond. He stated that Ganpat Gaikwad had several criminal cases against him and alleged that instead of following the principle of alliance, Ganpat Gaikwad was disrupting the alliance in Kalyan. In 2019, An FIR was registered by Kolsewadi police in Kalyan against Mahesh Gaikwad for allegedly assaulting a private contractor and attempting to extort Rs 1 lakh from him.
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.
Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai.
Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including:
Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles.
Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability).
Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development.
Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments.
Experience
Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting.
Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism.
Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra.
He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More
3 min read
