Vasantdada Patil

Vasantdada Patil (November 13, 1917 - March 1, 1989) was an Indian politician from Sangli, Maharashtra. He was known as the First modern Maratha Strongman and first mass leader in maharashtra's politics. He was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from May 17, 1977 to July 18, 1978 and again from February 2, 1983 to June 1, 1985. He also served as Governor of Rajasthan from 1985 to 1987.

Born on 13th Nov 1917 at 'Padmale' 3 km from Sangli is his native village. He studied up to the vernacular final. Then he took interest in his farm. He worked there and faced many problems. He always took leading part in problem solving.

He took part in freedom struggle. In 1942, Mahatma Gandhi started 'Satyagraha movement'. Vinoba Bhave was the first 'satyagrahi' and from Tasgaon Vasantdada was the first 'satyagrahi' . For this he was jailed by the British regime. In jail, he came under the influence of people like Babasaheb Kher, Sardar Patel and others.

He was also influenced by Netaji Subhashchandra Bose and he believed that only 'satyagraha', morchas or peoples movements would not get freedom. So he looted railways, merchants, got guns and revolvers from Goa. Many criminal cases were filled against him. British govt. declared prize of Rs.1000 for him. He tried to escape from the jail but badly injured. He was then sentenced 13 years imprisonment.

On 25th April 1946 he was released and was tremendously welcomed by Sangli people. After independence he started working on farmers problems. He established Market Committee on 1951, with main intension of giving proper prices to agriculture products. In 1958, he started largest Co-operative Sugar factory on 90 acres land. In 1960, he started Industrial Society on 135 acres land. ITI were stared to give technical training to youth. He made efforts to increase irrigation in Sangli. In 1960 he became the Chief promoter of Groundnut Processors Co-operative Society.

In the field of education he was Chairman of Latthe Education Society. He started Miraj Medical College, Civil hospital, Akashwani (All India Radio station) a Sangli.

While active in politics from 1937, he was first appointed a Minister from 1972 till 1976 under Chief Minister Vasantrao Naik. In 1976 he was dropped from the Maharashtra Cabinet. He was very disappointed. But overcoming this disappointment, he became Chief Minister of Maharashtra 4 times between 1976 to 1985. He is political mentor of Maratha strongman Mr. Sharad Pawar. He appointed Mr. Sharad Pawar as his political successor and Chief Minister of Maharashtra before retiring from politics. He died on 1 March 1989.His elder son Prakashbapu Patil was MP for long period from Sangli and Now his grandson Pratik Prakashbapu Patil is MP from Sangli.

Second Wife: Shalinitai Patil is MLA from Koregaon, Satara district