Part 4: Baba Elected As Sabhapati

 

Part 4: Baba Elected As Sabhapati …

After a long wait of 12 years, the Jillah Parish Elections were finally announced in November 1990. Elections were scheduled for three Jillah Parishad ‘Gat’ and six Panchayat Samiti ‘Gan’ in Muktainagar (formerly Edalabad) Taluka. People were filled with excitement to see who the candidates would be. As expected, Baba received the nomination from the Changadev-Edalabad Zillah Parishad Gat. His opponent was Sh. Vasudev Raghunath Patil, a sober individual serving as the Secretary of J.E. School at the time. Baba had a cordial relationship with him. 

The elections were set against the backdrop of Baba's significant social and political work over the years. People were eagerly anticipating this day.

During the campaign, Baba, along with his supporters, would start early in the morning in his Mahindra Jeep—a gift from the people presented to him by Hon. Sharad Pawar in 1985; visit various villages and remote areas, meet people and deliver speeches up to late night. People would welcome him with garlands; inspiring powadas and traditional songs were used to be sung prior to his speeches at large and enthusiastic gatherings. There was palpable joy and excitement among the crowd, especially among the youths.

On election day, there was a tremendous turnout, and people voted enthusiastically. Once the voting concluded, the next day arrived—the day for the results! There was a huge gathering of people in front of the newly built Tahasil Office. We were sitting with respected Dr. Devisingh Shekhawat, Sh. Rangalal Sheth Jain, Ad. Gosavi, Sh. Sureshbau Chaudhary, Sh. Yuvarajkaka Patil, Sh. Bhaulalkaka Patil …and were anxiously awaiting the outcome, although we were confident in our win. 

Finally, the results were declared: Baba won the election by a huge margin! Firecrackers were set off, and gulal was thrown in the air and smeared on people's faces. A grand celebration procession started from the Tahasil Office. After visiting several villages, Baba proceeded home. A large gathering of people was eagerly awaiting at our residence in Changadev, upto late night, to meet and felicitate him!

There was a great eagerness leading up to the Sabhapati Election. Finally, that day arrived. Three Zilla Parishad members and six Panchayat Samiti members were to elect the Sabhapati of the Panchayat Samiti, Muktainagar. The Zilla Parishad members were eligible to vote and contest in the Sabhapati election at that time; later on the rule changed. 

After consulting with party leaders and workers, Hon. Pratibha Tai Patil, who later became the President of India, finalized the name of Baba as the candidate for Sabhapati. The Pradesh Congress Committee appointed Sh. Pramod Kasar as the observer for the election. Consequently, a whip was issued to the elected party members to ensure their participation in the vote. On the day of the Sabhapati election, Baba filled out the nomination form for the post of Sabhapati. Since there were no other candidates for that position, he was elected unopposed. Sh. Pandharibhau Patil, Sau. Rathodtai, Sau. Vidyatai Chaudhary, Sh. Santoshbhau Bodade, Sh. Dasharath Supada Patil, Sh. Thakare, and all the elected members supported Baba's candidature, leading to his uncontested election. Sh. G.N. Bapuji Patil congratulated Baba, held his hand, and escorted him to the office of the Sabhapati, where he was seated in the designated chair. 

It was truly a joyous and unforgettable moment for all of us, one that we will cherish deeply in our hearts !

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @ Pune on February 21, 2025