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{{Use Indian English|date=April 2017}} | {{Use Indian English|date=April 2017}} | ||
{{Infobox officeholder | {{Infobox officeholder | ||
| name | | name = Pankaja Gopinath Munde | ||
| image | | image = Pankaja Munde Powerful Leader.jpg | ||
| imagesize | | imagesize = | ||
| alt | | alt = | ||
| caption | | caption = Munde in 2025 | ||
| birth_date | | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1979|07|26}} | ||
| birth_place | | birth_place = [[Parli Vaijnath]], [[Maharashtra]], India | ||
| | | residence = [[Mumbai|Peddar Road, Mumbai]] | ||
| | | death_date = | ||
| | | office = [[Third Fadnavis ministry|Cabinet Minister]]<br>[[Government of Maharashtra]] | ||
| | | subterm = '''Cabinet''' | ||
| | | minister = *[[Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (Maharashtra)|Environment and Climate Change]] | ||
| | *[[Ministry of Animal Husbandry (Maharashtra)|Animal Husbandry]] | ||
| | | term_start = 15 December 2024 | ||
| | | term_end = | ||
*[[Ministry of | | 1blankname = [[Chief Minister of Maharashtra|Chief Minister]] | ||
| | | 1namedata = [[Devendra Fadnavis]] | ||
| | | 3blankname = Guardian Minister | ||
| | | 3namedata = [[Jalna District]] | ||
| | | predecessor = *[[Eknath Shinde]] (Environment and Climate Change) | ||
| | *[[Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil]] (Animal Husbandry) | ||
| | | successor = | ||
| office1 = [[List of leaders of the house in the Maharashtra Legislative Council|Deputy Leader of the House, Maharashtra Legislative Council]] | |||
| | | term_start1 = 21 December 2024 | ||
| | | term_end1 = | ||
| | | 2blankname1 = [[Chief Minister of Maharashtra|Chief Minister]] | ||
| | | 2namedata1 = [[Devendra Fadnavis]] | ||
| | | 3blankname1 = Leader of the House | ||
| | | 3namedata1 = [[Eknath Shinde]] | ||
|profession | | predecessor1 = [[Uday Samant]] | ||
| relations | | term_start2 = 09 July 2016 | ||
| | | term_end2 = 12 November 2019 | ||
| | | 2blankname2 = [[Chief Minister of Maharashtra|Chief Minister]] | ||
| | | 2namedata2 = [[Devendra Fadnavis]] | ||
| | | 3blankname2 = Leader of the House | ||
| website | | 3namedata2 = [[Chandrakant Patil]] | ||
| signature | | predecessor2 = [[Chandrakant Patil]] | ||
| successor2 = [[Subhash Desai]] | |||
| office3 = Member of [[Maharashtra Legislative Council]] | |||
| governor3 = [[C. P. Radhakrishnan]], [[Acharya Devvrat]] | |||
| 1blankname3 = [[List of chairmen of the Maharashtra Legislative Council|Chairperson of Council]] | |||
| 1namedata3 = [[Neelam Gorhe]] ''(additional charge)'' | |||
| term_start3 = 28 July 2024 | |||
| constituency3 = ''Elected by Members of Legislative Assembly'' | |||
| predecessor3 = [[Nilay Naik]] | |||
| office4 = National Secretary of [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] | |||
| term_start4 = 26 September 2020 | |||
| president4 = [[J. P. Nadda]] | |||
| office5 = [[Ministry of Rural Development Government of Maharashtra|Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department]], [[Government of Maharashtra]] | |||
| 1blankname5 = [[Chief Minister of Maharashtra|Chief Minister]] | |||
| 1namedata5 = [[Devendra Fadnavis]] | |||
| 2blankname5 = Guardian Ministers | |||
| 2namedata5 = [[Beed District]] | |||
| term_start5 = 31 October 2014 | |||
| term_end5 = 12 November 2019 | |||
| predecessor5 = *[[Jayant Patil]] | |||
*[[R. R. Patil]] (Guardian Minister) | |||
| successor5 = *[[Devendra Fadnavis]] | |||
*[[Dhananjay Munde]] (Guardian Minister) | |||
| office6 = [[Ministry of Woman and Child Development Government of Maharashtra|Minister of Women and Child Development]], [[Government of Maharashtra]] | |||
| 1blankname6 = [[Chief Minister of Maharashtra|Chief Minister]] | |||
| 1namedata6 = [[Devendra Fadnavis]] | |||
| governor6 = *[[C. Vidyasagar Rao]] | |||
*[[Bhagat Singh Koshyari]] | |||
| term_start6 = 31 October 2014 | |||
| term_end6 = 12 November 2019 | |||
| predecessor6 = [[Varsha Gaikwad]] | |||
| successor6 = [[Devendra Fadnavis]] | |||
| office7 = [[Ministry of Earthquake Rehabilitation (Maharashtra)|Minister of Earthquake Rehabilitation]], [[Government of Maharashtra]] | |||
| 1blankname7 = [[Chief Minister of Maharashtra|Chief Minister]] | |||
| 1namedata7 = [[Devendra Fadnavis]] | |||
| governor7 = *[[C. Vidyasagar Rao]] | |||
*[[Bhagat Singh Koshyari]] | |||
| term_start7 = 8 July 2016 | |||
| term_end7 = 12 November 2019 | |||
| predecessor7 = [[Devendra Fadnavis]] | |||
| successor7 = [[Devendra Fadnavis]] | |||
| office8 = [[Ministry of Tourism (Maharashtra)|Minister of Tourism]], [[Government of Maharashtra]] | |||
| 1blankname8 = [[Chief Minister of Maharashtra|Chief Minister]] | |||
| 1namedata8 = [[Devendra Fadnavis]] | |||
| governor8 = [[C. Vidyasagar Rao]] | |||
| term_start8 = 4 June 2016 | |||
| term_end8 = 8 July 2016 | |||
| predecessor8 = [[Devendra Fadnavis]] | |||
| successor8 = [[Jayakumar Jitendrasinh Rawal]] | |||
| office9 = [[Ministry of Animal Husbandry (Maharashtra)|Minister of Animal Husbandry]], [[Ministry of Fisheries (Maharashtra)|Fisheries]] and [[Ministry of Dairy Development (Maharashtra)|Dairy Development]], [[Government of Maharashtra]] | |||
| status9 = Additional Charge | |||
| status8 = Additional Charge | |||
| 1blankname9 = [[Chief Minister of Maharashtra|Chief Minister]] | |||
| 1namedata9 = [[Devendra Fadnavis]] | |||
| governor9 = [[C. Vidyasagar Rao]] | |||
| term_start9 = 4 June 2016 | |||
| term_end9 = 8 July 2016 | |||
| predecessor9 = [[Eknath Khadse]] | |||
| successor9 = [[Mahadev Jankar]] | |||
| office10 = [[Ministry of Soil and Water Conservation (Maharashtra)|Minister of Soil and Water Conservation]], [[Government of Maharashtra]] | |||
| 1blankname10 = [[Chief Minister of Maharashtra|Chief Minister]] | |||
| 1namedata10 = [[Devendra Fadnavis]] | |||
| governor10 = [[C. Vidyasagar Rao]] | |||
| term_start10 = 31 October 2014 | |||
| term_end10 = 08 July 2016 | |||
| predecessor10 = [[Shashikant Shinde]] | |||
| successor10 = [[Ram Shinde]] | |||
| office11 = [[Ministry of Employment Guarantee (Maharashtra)|Minister of Employment Guarantee]], [[Government of Maharashtra]] | |||
| 1blankname11 = [[Chief Minister of Maharashtra|Chief Minister]] | |||
| 1namedata11 = [[Devendra Fadnavis]] | |||
| governor11 = [[C. Vidyasagar Rao]] | |||
| term_start11 = 31 October 2014 | |||
| term_end11 = 8 July 2016 | |||
| predecessor11 = [[Jitendra Awhad]] | |||
| successor11 = [[Jayakumar Jitendrasinh Rawal]] | |||
| office12 = [[Ministry of Public Health (Maharashtra)|Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare]], [[Government of Maharashtra]] | |||
| 1blankname12 = [[Chief Minister of Maharashtra|Chief Minister]] | |||
| 1namedata12 = [[Devendra Fadnavis]] | |||
| governor12 = [[C. Vidyasagar Rao]] | |||
| term_start12 = 31 October 2014 | |||
| term_end12 = 5 December 2014 | |||
| predecessor12 = [[Suresh Shetty]] | |||
| successor12 = [[Deepak Sawant]] | |||
| office13 = [[Member of Legislative Assembly (India)|Member]] of [[Maharashtra Legislative Assembly]] | |||
| constituency13 = [[Parli (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Parli]] | |||
| term_start13 = 2009 | |||
| term_end13 = 2019 | |||
| predecessor13 = ''constituency established'' | |||
| successor13 = [[Dhananjay Munde]] | |||
| profession = Politician, Social Activist | |||
| relations = [[Pritam Munde]] (sister)<br />Yashashri Munde (sister)<br> Dhananjay Munde (cousin) <br> [[Pramod Mahajan]] (uncle) <br> [[Poonam Mahajan]] (cousin) | |||
| spouse = {{marriage|Amit Palwe|2001}} | |||
| parents = [[Gopinath Munde]] <small>(father)</small><br />Pradnya Munde <small>(mother)</small> | |||
| alma_mater = | |||
| footnotes = | |||
| website = {{URL|www.pankajagopinathmunde.com}} | |||
| signature = | |||
}} | |||
'''Pankaja Munde''' (born 26 July 1979) | '''Pankaja Gopinathrao Munde''' (born 26 July 1979) is an Indian politician from Maharashtra. She is eldest daughter of the late [[Gopinath Munde]], a former [[Union Council of Ministers|central cabinet minister of India]] and former [[List of deputy chief ministers of Maharashtra|Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-05-26 |title=Gopinath Munde takes oath as Cabinet Minister; OBC face of BJP in Maharashtra |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/gopinath-munde-takes-oath-as-cabinet-minister-obc-face-of-bjp-in-maharashtra/articleshow/35621265.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-12-19 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> She is the National Secretary of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party|Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)]] and also serves as an MLC in the [[Maharashtra Legislative Council]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lokmat.com/politics/vinod-tawde-pankaja-munde-finally-got-place-honor-bjp-give-place-national-executive-council-a301/|title=विनोद तावडे, पंकजा मुंडेंना अखेर भाजपाकडून मानाचं पान, राष्ट्रीय कार्यकारिणीत दिलं स्थान |date=26 September 2020 }}</ref> She is currently serving as [[Cabinet Minister]] for Animal Husbandry, [[Natural environment|Environment]] and Climate change in the [[Third Fadnavis ministry]].<ref> {{cite news |date=2020-12-16 |title=Maharashtra cabinet expansion: Full list of 39 ministers joining the Devendra Fadnavis government |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/maharashtra-cabinet-expansion-full-list-of-39-ministers-joining-the-devendra-fadnavis-government/article68990901.ece |work=THE HINDU}} </ref> | ||
== Early life == | == Early life == | ||
Pankaja Munde was born to [[Gopinath Munde]] and Pradnya Munde on 26 July 1979 as their eldest child. She has two younger sisters, [[Pritam Munde]] and Yashashari. She completed her graduation and also holds an MBA. | Pankaja Munde was born to [[Gopinath Munde]] and Pradnya Munde on 26 July 1979 as their eldest child. She has two younger sisters, [[Pritam Munde]] and Yashashari. She completed her graduation and also holds an MBA. from USA.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Pankaja Munde: BJP leader is set to battle estranged cousin in Parli|url=https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/photo/Pankaja-Munde-The-fiesty-leader-who-broke-norm-after-father-Gopinath-Munde-s-death-44605/3|access-date=2022-01-09|work=[[Mid-Day]]|language=en}}</ref> | ||
She is a niece of [[Pramod Mahajan]], and a cousin to [[Rahul Mahajan]] and [[Poonam Mahajan]]. NCP [[Nationalist Congress Party]] leader [[Dhananjay Munde]] is also her cousin. | |||
==Political career== | ==Political career== | ||
Gopinath Munde, Pankaja Munde's father, served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra in the 1990s. Pankaja Munde herself has held several significant positions in Maharashtra politics. She was the Minister of Rural Development, Women, and Child Welfare in the Devendra Fadnavis cabinet. Besides her political career, she is recognized as a sugar factory and banking businesswoman. In 2017, she received ‘The Powerful Politician’ award and was known as Maharashtra’s prominent and dynamic leader. | |||
In 2012, Pankaja Munde served as the State President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the BJP’s youth wing. She was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from the Parli constituency in 2009. She took oath as a Maharashtra Cabinet Minister on 31 October 2014, being allotted the Ministry of Rural Development, Women, and Child Welfare. | |||
Pankaja Munde also established a memorial for her father, Gopinath Munde, in Parli, Beed district. The 20-foot-tall statue, called '''Gopinath Gad''', is located on the premises of the Vaidyanath Cooperative Sugar Mill and was inaugurated by Amit Shah and Devendra Fadnavis. Through the Gopinath Gad Prathisthan, several social activities, such as drought relief, skill development, and education scholarships, have been initiated.'<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/gopinath-gad-to-be-set-up-in-memory-of-late-gopinath-munde/articleshow/45494403.cms?from=mdr|title = 'Gopinath Gad' to be set up in memory of late Gopinath Munde|newspaper = The Economic Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bjp-chief-amit-shah-to-inaugurate-gopinath-munde-memorial-tomorrow-1253884|title=BJP Chief Amit Shah To Inaugurate Gopinath Munde Memorial Tomorrow|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> | |||
On Gopinath Munde's seventh death anniversary, the Government of India unveiled a unique postal cover in his honor. The cover was inaugurated virtually by BJP National President JP Nadda and Union Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, highlighting Gopinath Munde's efforts to bring the party closer to Dalits and deprived classes in Maharashtra.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thefederal.com/from-the-wires/maha-nadda-unveils-special-postal-cover-honouring-gopinath-munde/|title = Maha: Nadda unveils special postal cover honouring Gopinath Munde|date = 3 June 2021}}</ref> | |||
In 2022, Pankaja Munde led the BJP to victory in the Nagar Panchayat elections in the Beed district. The BJP emerged as the top party by winning all four Nagar Panchayats, showcasing her effective leadership and the public's support for her.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/beed-bjp-gets-an-upper-hand-in-polls/articleshow/89006388.cms|title = Pankaja: Beed: BJP Gets an Upper Hand in Polls | Aurangabad News - Times of India|website = [[The Times of India]]| date=20 January 2022 }}</ref> | |||
In September 2023, she respectfully embarked on the ''''Shivshakti Parikrama''',' a sacred journey where she visited 11 revered temples of Jyotirlinga and Shaktipeethas located in 10 districts of the state. Throughout her pilgrimage, she was warmly welcomed and received enthusiastic support from the people.<ref>{{Cite web | title=Shiv Shakti Parikrama Yatra: Pankaja Munde receives enthusiastic welcome in Satara - www.lokmattimes.com | url=https://www.lokmattimes.com/maharashtra/shiv-shakti-parikrama-yatra-pankaja-munde-receives-enthusiastic-welcome-in-satara/ | access-date=2025-07-18 | website=www.lokmattimes.com}}</ref> | |||
Pankaja Munde contested the Beed constituency as the BJP candidate in the 2024 General Elections but lost to Bajrang Manohar Sonwane of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). On 12 July 2024, Pankaja Munde emerged victorious in the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections.<ref name="Eleven MLCs take oath in Maharashtra">{{cite news |last1=The Hindu |date=28 July 2024 |title=Eleven MLCs take oath in Maharashtra |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/11-mlcs-take-oath-in-maharashtra/article68456573.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124135618/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/11-mlcs-take-oath-in-maharashtra/article68456573.ece |archive-date=24 November 2024 |access-date=24 November 2024 |language=en-IN}}</ref> She also holds the position of a national secretary (BJP) and incharge of the Madhya Pradesh.<ref>Maharashtra Legislative Council polls won on Friday by engineering a cross-voting from among the opposition ranks.</ref> | |||
In June 2015, the opposition party | == Controversy == | ||
In June 2015, the opposition party, Indian National Congress, accused Pankaja Munde of being involved in the chikki scam, alleging that she had flouted norms by clearing the purchase without floating tenders.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/maharashtra-minister-pankaja-munde-accused-of-rs-200-crore-scam-by-opposition-774826|title=Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde Rejects Congress Charge of 200-Crore Scam|website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/politics/rs-206-crore-chikki-scam-hits-maharashtra-government-bjp-mp-pankaja-munde-under-scanner-1011152.html|title=News18.com: CNN-News18 Breaking News India, Latest News Headlines, Live News Updates|website=News18|access-date=24 June 2015|archive-date=27 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227064845/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/politics/rs-206-crore-chikki-scam-hits-maharashtra-government-bjp-mp-pankaja-munde-under-scanner-1011152.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Munde rejected the accusations of corruption, arguing that a policy for an online tendering system was not in place when she commissioned the purchase. Chief Minister [[Devendra Fadnavis]] also defended her, stating that the norm of inviting e-tenders was introduced by his government in April, two months after Munde cleared the contracts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/munde-row-fadnavis-meets-pm-modi-says-no-irregularities-prima-facie-2312826.html|title=Munde row: Fadnavis meets PM Modi, says no irregularities 'prima facie'|website=Firstpost|date=25 June 2015}}</ref> Munde challenged the opposition, saying, "If proven guilty, I shall not just resign, but quit politics permanently if I’ve taken even a rupee from anyone."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/content/486084/will-quit-politics-proven-guilty.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305012130/https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/content/486084/will-quit-politics-proven-guilty.html |archive-date=5 March 2023 |title=Will quit politics if proven guilty, says Pankaja }}</ref> | |||
After a few days, | After a few days, the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Maharashtra gave a clean chit to Pankaja Munde in connection with the 206 crore Chikki scandal alleged by the opposition. It said the tender was given in compliance with the court's rules, with no facts in this regard.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/Mumbai-news/chikki-scam-pankaja-Munde-gets-clean-chit-from-Maharashtra-acb/story-hpSlJd6caxbvB3EPaP9oRM.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921173448/https://m.hindustantimes.com/Mumbai-news/chikki-scam-pankaja-Munde-gets-clean-chit-from-Maharashtra-acb/story-hpSlJd6caxbvB3EPaP9oRM.html|archive-date=2019-09-21|website=[[Hindustan Times]]|title=Pankaja Munde given clean chit by Maharastra ACB in chikki sca}}</ref> | ||
==Personal life== | ==Personal life== | ||
Pankaja married to Amit Palwe. The couple has one son name | Pankaja is married to Amit Palwe. The couple has one son whose name is Aryaman. She has authored a [[photobiography]] of her father, titled '''''Lokneta Gopinath Munde''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sakaaltimes.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=5042145073247202839&SectionId=4924098573178130559&SectionName=Latest%20News&NewsDate=20110307&NewsTitle=Photobiography%20released%20on%20ex-dy%20CM%E2%80%99s%20life%20story|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607011436/http://www.sakaaltimes.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=5042145073247202839&SectionId=4924098573178130559&SectionName=Latest%20News&NewsDate=20110307&NewsTitle=Photobiography%20released%20on%20ex-dy%20CM%E2%80%99s%20life%20story|url-status=usurped|archive-date=7 June 2014|title=Sakaal Times}}</ref>''' | ||
[[File:Pankaja_Munde_and_Gopinath_Munde.jpg|thumb|Pankaja Munde and Gopinath Munde 2009 Loksabha Result.]] She is a political figure belonging to the dominant [[Vanjari_caste|Vanjari]] community of Maharashtra and has held significant roles in [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]. | |||
==Dasara (Dussehra) Melava== | == Dasara (Dussehra) Melava == | ||
The tradition of Dasara ( | The tradition of Dasara (Dussehra) Melava is a testament to the unity and strength of the collective Hindu communities. It was initiated by Gopinath Munde twenty-five years ago at Bhagwangad, the 'Samadhi' and spiritual residence of the great [[Warkari|Varkari]] Saint Bhagwan Baba.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gopinath Munde start the Dasera Melava at Bhagwangad|date=18 January 2014|url=https://www.loksatta.com/vruthanta-news/hitting-on-bhagwangad-political-leader-gopinath-munde-350006|publisher=loksatta}}</ref> | ||
During this Melava, Gopinath Munde addressed the community, setting new directions and conditions, known as 'Shimoullanghan,' symbolizing the start of something new. | |||
After his death, | After his death, his successor, daughter Pankaja Munde, took over the tradition. In 2016, due to a dispute with the Mahant of the Gad, Pankaja Munde decided to hold the Dasara Melava at Savargaon, the birthplace of Saint Bhagwan Baba.<ref>{{cite web|title=pankaja Munde moves Bhagwangad to Savargaon|url=http://www.saamana.com/dassera-malava-of-pankaja-munde-in-savargaon/|publisher=Saamana|access-date=27 September 2019|archive-date=27 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927175325/http://www.saamana.com/dassera-malava-of-pankaja-munde-in-savargaon/|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
The | The Dassara Melava, held with large crowds and great enthusiasm, was successfully continued by Pankaja Munde in Savargaon. | ||
Bhagwangad is a place of power | Bhagwangad is a place of power for every hindu community who respect and follow the [[Natha Sampradaya|Varkari Sampraday]]. Over the years, many notable figures have attended the rally and addressed the gathering, including veterans like Sambhaji Raje, Amit Shah, Prakash Yashwant Ambedkar, Mahadev Jankar, Eknath Khadse and many other monks and saints.<ref>{{cite web|title=Amit Shah addressing Dasara rally in Bhagwangad|date=3 October 2014|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/141003/nation-current-affairs/article/bjp-president-amit-shah-pledges-fight-poor-obcs-under-pankajas|publisher=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=many veterans join Dasera melava rally|date=18 January 2014|url=https://www.loksatta.com/vruthanta-news/hitting-on-bhagwangad-political-leader-gopinath-munde-350006|publisher=loksatta}}</ref> | ||
Every year, | Every year, lakhs of devotees and supporters enthusiastically participate in this rally.<ref>{{cite web|title= millions of chairing in rally|date=30 September 2017|url=https://www.thodkyaat.com/imp-points-of-pankaja-munde-speech-in-savargaon-300917/|publisher=Loksatta}}</ref> | ||
[[File:2024;-_Dussera_melava.jpg|thumb|Dussera Meet in Beed (2024)]] | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=munde |first=pankaja |date= |title=Pnakaja Munde |url=https://www.livemint.com/elections/maharashtra-assembly-election-bjp-mlc-pankaja-munde-opposes-yogi-adityanaths-batenge-to-katenge-slogan-11731558905614.html}}</ref> | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons category}} | |||
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140606075816/http://www.pankajagopinathmunde.com/ Official Website] | * [https://web.archive.org/web/20140606075816/http://www.pankajagopinathmunde.com/ Official Website] | ||
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{{s-off}} | {{s-off}} | ||
{{s-bef|before=[[Jayant Patil]]}} | {{s-bef|before=[[Jayant Patil]]}} | ||
{{s-ttl|title=Cabinet Minister for Rural Development, Maharashtra State|years=December | {{s-ttl|title=Cabinet Minister for Rural Development, Maharashtra State|years= December 2014– November 2019}} | ||
{{s- | {{s-aft|after=[[Devendra Fadnavis]]}} | ||
{{s-bef|before=}} | |||
{{s-ttl|title=Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development,<br /> Maharashtra State|years=December | {{s-bef|before= [[Varsha Gaikwad]]}} | ||
{{s- | {{s-ttl|title=Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development,<br /> Maharashtra State|years= December 2014– November 2019}} | ||
{{s-aft|after=[[Devendra Fadnavis]]}} | |||
{{s-bef|before=[[Harshvardhan Patil]]}} | |||
{{s-ttl|title=Maharashtra State Guardian Minister for [[Latur district]]|years= December 2014– November 2019}} | |||
{{s-aft|after=[[Amit Deshmukh]]}} | |||
{{s-bef|before=}} | {{s-bef|before=[[R. R. Patil]]}} | ||
{{s-ttl|title=Maharashtra State Guardian Minister for [[ | {{s-ttl|title=Maharashtra State Guardian Minister for [[Beed district]]|years= December 2014– November 2019}} | ||
{{s- | {{s-aft|after=[[Dhananjay Munde]]}} | ||
{{s-end}} | {{s-end}} | ||
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[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Maharashtra]] | [[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Maharashtra]] | ||
[[Category:People from Beed district]] | [[Category:People from Beed district]] | ||
[[Category:Living people]] | [[Category:Living people]] | ||
[[Category:Maharashtra MLAs 2014–2019]] | [[Category:Maharashtra MLAs 2014–2019]] | ||
[[Category:State cabinet ministers of Maharashtra]] | [[Category:State cabinet ministers of Maharashtra]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Politicians from Marathwada]] | ||
[[Category:Marathi politicians]] | [[Category:Marathi politicians]] | ||
[[Category:21st-century Indian women politicians]] | [[Category:21st-century Indian women politicians]] | ||
[[Category:Women state cabinet ministers of India]] | [[Category:Women state cabinet ministers of India]] | ||
[[Category:1979 births]] | [[Category:1979 births]] | ||
[[Category:Women members of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly]] | |||
Latest revision as of 20:00, 26 February 2026
Pankaja Gopinathrao Munde (born 26 July 1979) is an Indian politician from Maharashtra. She is eldest daughter of the late Gopinath Munde, a former central cabinet minister of India and former Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.[1] She is the National Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and also serves as an MLC in the Maharashtra Legislative Council.[2] She is currently serving as Cabinet Minister for Animal Husbandry, Environment and Climate change in the Third Fadnavis ministry.[3]
Early life[edit | edit source]
Pankaja Munde was born to Gopinath Munde and Pradnya Munde on 26 July 1979 as their eldest child. She has two younger sisters, Pritam Munde and Yashashari. She completed her graduation and also holds an MBA. from USA.[4]
She is a niece of Pramod Mahajan, and a cousin to Rahul Mahajan and Poonam Mahajan. NCP Nationalist Congress Party leader Dhananjay Munde is also her cousin.
Political career[edit | edit source]
Gopinath Munde, Pankaja Munde's father, served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra in the 1990s. Pankaja Munde herself has held several significant positions in Maharashtra politics. She was the Minister of Rural Development, Women, and Child Welfare in the Devendra Fadnavis cabinet. Besides her political career, she is recognized as a sugar factory and banking businesswoman. In 2017, she received ‘The Powerful Politician’ award and was known as Maharashtra’s prominent and dynamic leader.
In 2012, Pankaja Munde served as the State President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the BJP’s youth wing. She was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from the Parli constituency in 2009. She took oath as a Maharashtra Cabinet Minister on 31 October 2014, being allotted the Ministry of Rural Development, Women, and Child Welfare.
Pankaja Munde also established a memorial for her father, Gopinath Munde, in Parli, Beed district. The 20-foot-tall statue, called Gopinath Gad, is located on the premises of the Vaidyanath Cooperative Sugar Mill and was inaugurated by Amit Shah and Devendra Fadnavis. Through the Gopinath Gad Prathisthan, several social activities, such as drought relief, skill development, and education scholarships, have been initiated.'[5][6]
On Gopinath Munde's seventh death anniversary, the Government of India unveiled a unique postal cover in his honor. The cover was inaugurated virtually by BJP National President JP Nadda and Union Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, highlighting Gopinath Munde's efforts to bring the party closer to Dalits and deprived classes in Maharashtra.[7]
In 2022, Pankaja Munde led the BJP to victory in the Nagar Panchayat elections in the Beed district. The BJP emerged as the top party by winning all four Nagar Panchayats, showcasing her effective leadership and the public's support for her.[8]
In September 2023, she respectfully embarked on the 'Shivshakti Parikrama,' a sacred journey where she visited 11 revered temples of Jyotirlinga and Shaktipeethas located in 10 districts of the state. Throughout her pilgrimage, she was warmly welcomed and received enthusiastic support from the people.[9]
Pankaja Munde contested the Beed constituency as the BJP candidate in the 2024 General Elections but lost to Bajrang Manohar Sonwane of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). On 12 July 2024, Pankaja Munde emerged victorious in the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections.[10] She also holds the position of a national secretary (BJP) and incharge of the Madhya Pradesh.[11]
Controversy[edit | edit source]
In June 2015, the opposition party, Indian National Congress, accused Pankaja Munde of being involved in the chikki scam, alleging that she had flouted norms by clearing the purchase without floating tenders.[12][13] Munde rejected the accusations of corruption, arguing that a policy for an online tendering system was not in place when she commissioned the purchase. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also defended her, stating that the norm of inviting e-tenders was introduced by his government in April, two months after Munde cleared the contracts.[14] Munde challenged the opposition, saying, "If proven guilty, I shall not just resign, but quit politics permanently if I’ve taken even a rupee from anyone."[15]
After a few days, the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Maharashtra gave a clean chit to Pankaja Munde in connection with the 206 crore Chikki scandal alleged by the opposition. It said the tender was given in compliance with the court's rules, with no facts in this regard.[16]
Personal life[edit | edit source]
Pankaja is married to Amit Palwe. The couple has one son whose name is Aryaman. She has authored a photobiography of her father, titled Lokneta Gopinath Munde.[17]
She is a political figure belonging to the dominant Vanjari community of Maharashtra and has held significant roles in Bharatiya Janata Party.
Dasara (Dussehra) Melava[edit | edit source]
The tradition of Dasara (Dussehra) Melava is a testament to the unity and strength of the collective Hindu communities. It was initiated by Gopinath Munde twenty-five years ago at Bhagwangad, the 'Samadhi' and spiritual residence of the great Varkari Saint Bhagwan Baba.[18] During this Melava, Gopinath Munde addressed the community, setting new directions and conditions, known as 'Shimoullanghan,' symbolizing the start of something new.
After his death, his successor, daughter Pankaja Munde, took over the tradition. In 2016, due to a dispute with the Mahant of the Gad, Pankaja Munde decided to hold the Dasara Melava at Savargaon, the birthplace of Saint Bhagwan Baba.[19] The Dassara Melava, held with large crowds and great enthusiasm, was successfully continued by Pankaja Munde in Savargaon.
Bhagwangad is a place of power for every hindu community who respect and follow the Varkari Sampraday. Over the years, many notable figures have attended the rally and addressed the gathering, including veterans like Sambhaji Raje, Amit Shah, Prakash Yashwant Ambedkar, Mahadev Jankar, Eknath Khadse and many other monks and saints.[20][21]
Every year, lakhs of devotees and supporters enthusiastically participate in this rally.[22]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Gopinath Munde takes oath as Cabinet Minister; OBC face of BJP in Maharashtra". The Economic Times. 26 May 2014. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
- ↑ "विनोद तावडे, पंकजा मुंडेंना अखेर भाजपाकडून मानाचं पान, राष्ट्रीय कार्यकारिणीत दिलं स्थान". 26 September 2020.
- ↑ "Maharashtra cabinet expansion: Full list of 39 ministers joining the Devendra Fadnavis government". THE HINDU. 16 December 2020.
- ↑ "Pankaja Munde: BJP leader is set to battle estranged cousin in Parli". Mid-Day. Retrieved 9 January 2022.
- ↑ "'Gopinath Gad' to be set up in memory of late Gopinath Munde". The Economic Times.
- ↑ "BJP Chief Amit Shah To Inaugurate Gopinath Munde Memorial Tomorrow". NDTV.com.
- ↑ "Maha: Nadda unveils special postal cover honouring Gopinath Munde". 3 June 2021.
- ↑ "Pankaja: Beed: BJP Gets an Upper Hand in Polls | Aurangabad News - Times of India". The Times of India. 20 January 2022.
- ↑ "Shiv Shakti Parikrama Yatra: Pankaja Munde receives enthusiastic welcome in Satara - www.lokmattimes.com". www.lokmattimes.com. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ↑ The Hindu (28 July 2024). "Eleven MLCs take oath in Maharashtra". Archived from the original on 24 November 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ↑ Maharashtra Legislative Council polls won on Friday by engineering a cross-voting from among the opposition ranks.
- ↑ "Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde Rejects Congress Charge of 200-Crore Scam". NDTV.com.
- ↑ "News18.com: CNN-News18 Breaking News India, Latest News Headlines, Live News Updates". News18. Archived from the original on 27 December 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2015.
- ↑ "Munde row: Fadnavis meets PM Modi, says no irregularities 'prima facie'". Firstpost. 25 June 2015.
- ↑ "Will quit politics if proven guilty, says Pankaja". Archived from the original on 5 March 2023.
- ↑ "Pankaja Munde given clean chit by Maharastra ACB in chikki sca". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 21 September 2019.
- ↑ "Sakaal Times". Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
- ↑ "Gopinath Munde start the Dasera Melava at Bhagwangad". loksatta. 18 January 2014.
- ↑ "pankaja Munde moves Bhagwangad to Savargaon". Saamana. Archived from the original on 27 September 2019. Retrieved 27 September 2019.
- ↑ "Amit Shah addressing Dasara rally in Bhagwangad". Deccan Chronicle. 3 October 2014.
- ↑ "many veterans join Dasera melava rally". loksatta. 18 January 2014.
- ↑ "millions of chairing in rally". Loksatta. 30 September 2017.
External links[edit | edit source]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Jayant Patil |
Cabinet Minister for Rural Development, Maharashtra State December 2014– November 2019 |
Succeeded by Devendra Fadnavis |
| Preceded by Varsha Gaikwad |
Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development, Maharashtra State December 2014– November 2019 |
Succeeded by Devendra Fadnavis |
| Preceded by Harshvardhan Patil |
Maharashtra State Guardian Minister for Latur district December 2014– November 2019 |
Succeeded by Amit Deshmukh |
| Preceded by R. R. Patil |
Maharashtra State Guardian Minister for Beed district December 2014– November 2019 |
Succeeded by Dhananjay Munde |
- ↑ munde, pankaja. "Pnakaja Munde".