Omprakash Babarao Kadu, widely known as Bachchu Kadu, is a controversial politician who recently led massive farmer protests in Maharashtra demanding loan waivers. The Prahar Janshakti Party chief and former MLA has regained attention after his political fortunes declined following his loss in the Assembly elections. The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court took suo motu notice when thousands of farmers blocked National Highway-44 under his leadership. After negotiations with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the state government promised a decision on complete farm loan waivers by June 30 next year. Known for his brash political style and focus on disabled welfare, the 54-year-old has a history of creating controversies. He previously served as a minister in both the Maha Vikas Aghadi and Mahayuti governments. By spearheading this farmer movement, Kadu appears to be attempting to revive his fading political career after recent electoral setbacks.
Political Journey and Recent Setbacks
Kadu remains the only leader to win the Achalpur Assembly seat in Amravati district four times—thrice as an Independent candidate in 2009, 2014, and 2019, and once representing his Prahar Janshakti Party. He served as Minister of State holding the Water Resources portfolio in Uddhav Thackeray's cabinet. In 2022, he joined Eknath Shinde during the political split, accompanying him to Guwahati. Under the Mahayuti government, he became chairman of the Divyang Welfare Department with Cabinet rank in May 2023. However, relations deteriorated, and his refusal to support BJP's Amravati candidate Navneet Rana contributed to their loss. In Assembly polls, BJP's Praveen Tayade defeated Kadu, ending his legislative career. He subsequently resigned from his departmental chairman position.
Source: Link