Sudhakarrao Naik

Sudhakarrao Naik (1934 2001) was an Indian politician who served as Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1991 until 1993. Born at the remote Gavli village in the Vidarbha region, he was nephew of Mr Vasantrao Naik who was Chief Minister of Maharashtra for 11 years. He started his political career from his rural base as Sarpanch or village head.

He started his larger political career from Pusad. His role as Education Minister of Maharashtra is still held with high importance. Mr. Sharad Pawar gave him the post of Chief Minister when he became a Minister at the Center.

Mr Naik's tenure as Chief Minister was noted for his attempt to destroy the clout of the Mumbai Underworld and bring them under the aegis of the law. He arrested the well-known gangsters Pappu Kalani, MLA from Ulhasnagar, and Bhai Thakur (brother of gangster-MLA Hitendra Thakur, and he started to destroy their money and muscle power [cite news
title = The States: Dons in a new role
author = Dionne Bunsha
publisher = The Hindu
url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2125/stories/20041217001704400.htm
date = 2004-12-17
accessdate = 2007-03-24] .

However, politically, his differences with Sharad Pawar grew, and ultimately he had to resign. At one point, Sudhakarrao made a statement that Sharad Pawar had asked him to"go easy on Pappu Kalani" [cite news
title = The F-factor: Kalani certain of clean sweep
author = Gouri Shah
publisher = Economic Times
url = http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/880573.cms
date = October 11, 2004
accessdate = 2007-05-24] .

He is also remembered for his work in water conservation.

He served as governor of Himachal Pradesh from 1994 to 1995.

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