Sudhakar Badgujar is a prominent yet polarizing figure in Maharashtra’s political landscape, known for his influential role in Nashik politics and his recent high-profile shift to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His career, marked by significant achievements and controversies, has made him a focal point in regional politics, especially ahead of civic elections in Nashik.
Early Life and Background
Sudhakar Badgujar hails from Nashik, a city in Maharashtra known for its cultural and religious significance, as well as its growing political importance. While detailed public records about his early life, including his birth date and family background, are scarce, Badgujar is recognized as a local leader with deep roots in Nashik’s political and social fabric. His rise in politics reflects his ability to connect with the masses, leveraging his understanding of local issues to build a strong base in the region.
Badgujar’s early career is less documented, but his entry into politics was facilitated through his association with the Shiv Sena, a regional powerhouse in Maharashtra known for its Marathi pride and Hindutva ideology. His grassroots work in Nashik helped him gain prominence, eventually leading to significant roles within the party.
Political Journey
Rise in Shiv Sena (UBT)
Sudhakar Badgujar’s political career began with the Shiv Sena, specifically the faction led by Uddhav Thackeray, known as Shiv Sena (UBT) after the party’s split in 2022. He rose through the ranks to become the Nashik unit chief and a deputy leader within the party, earning a reputation as a close confidant of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut. His leadership in Nashik was instrumental in strengthening the party’s presence in the region, particularly in municipal politics.
Badgujar’s tenure in Shiv Sena (UBT) was marked by his active involvement in local governance issues, including infrastructure development and civic administration in Nashik. His ability to mobilize support and influence local elections made him a key figure in the party’s strategy for the Nashik Municipal Corporation.
Expulsion from Shiv Sena (UBT)
In a significant turn of events, Badgujar was expelled from Shiv Sena (UBT) on June 4, 2025, for alleged anti-party activities. This decision came shortly after he met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss filling vacant posts in the Nashik Municipal Corporation. The meeting sparked speculation about his potential defection, and his expulsion marked a turning point in his career, setting the stage for his controversial entry into the BJP.
Recent News: Joining the BJP
On June 17, 2025, Sudhakar Badgujar officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a high-profile induction ceremony at the party’s Mumbai office. The event was attended by senior BJP leaders, including state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan, and state unit working president Ravindra Chavan. Badgujar’s entry, alongside former Shiv Sena leader Babanrao Gholap and several ex-corporators, was seen as a strategic move by the BJP to bolster its position ahead of the Nashik civic polls.
Badgujar credited Girish Mahajan for supporting him during a “crisis” period, hinting at the challenges he faced following his expulsion from Shiv Sena (UBT). Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis defended the induction, asserting that there was no internal opposition within the BJP, despite reported dissent from local leaders like MLA Seema Hiray. Fadnavis emphasized that a probe into Badgujar’s alleged links with underworld figures had not resulted in any actionable evidence, clearing the way for his inclusion.
This move has significantly altered Nashik’s political dynamics, with the BJP aiming to leverage Badgujar’s local influence to secure a strong foothold in the upcoming municipal elections. Badgujar himself revealed a strategic roadmap for winning in Nashik, signaling his intent to play a pivotal role in the BJP’s electoral plans.
Controversies Surrounding Sudhakar Badgujar
Sudhakar Badgujar’s political career has been marred by several controversies, the most prominent being his alleged association with underworld figures, which has drawn significant attention and criticism.
Alleged Links with Salim Kutta and Dawood Ibrahim
The most significant controversy surrounding Badgujar involves accusations of his ties to Salim Kutta, an associate of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim and a convict in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case. In December 2023, BJP MLA Nitesh Rane raised these allegations in the Maharashtra Assembly, presenting photographs and videos purportedly showing Badgujar dancing with Salim Kutta at a party in Nashik. Rane labeled such associations as a threat to national security, prompting then-Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis to announce a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the matter.
In February 2024, Badgujar was booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for his alleged interactions with Salim Kutta, further intensifying the controversy. He was briefly jailed but released after the investigation failed to produce conclusive evidence against him.
The resurfacing of these allegations in 2025, following Badgujar’s induction into the BJP, sparked fierce criticism from opposition leaders. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut sarcastically remarked that the BJP might even induct Dawood Ibrahim, accusing the party of hypocrisy for welcoming Badgujar despite earlier condemning him. Maharashtra Congress President Harshawardhan Sapkal echoed similar sentiments, questioning the BJP’s decision to embrace a leader it had previously accused of anti-national activities.
Internal BJP Dissent
Badgujar’s entry into the BJP was not without internal resistance. Local BJP MLA Seema Hiray strongly opposed his induction, citing his controversial past and previous accusations of anti-national activities. Reports also surfaced that state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule was initially unaware of Badgujar’s induction, highlighting internal communication gaps within the party. Despite these tensions, senior leaders like Fadnavis and Mahajan backed Badgujar, indicating a strategic decision to prioritize electoral gains over internal dissent.
Other Allegations
In December 2023, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Nashik filed a case against Badgujar for alleged misconduct, forgery, and cheating related to a 2016 incident. While details of this case remain limited, it added to the scrutiny surrounding his political conduct.
Personal Profile
Sudhakar Badgujar is a seasoned politician whose influence in Nashik stems from his ability to navigate complex political alliances and mobilize grassroots support. Known for his strategic acumen, he has been a key player in local politics, particularly in the context of municipal elections. His defection to the BJP has positioned him as a central figure in Maharashtra’s political realignment, with his next moves likely to shape Nashik’s civic landscape.
While Badgujar’s personal life remains relatively private, his public persona is that of a determined and ambitious leader. His ability to rebound from controversies, including his expulsion from Shiv Sena (UBT) and legal challenges, underscores his resilience and political adaptability.
Impact on Maharashtra Politics
Badgujar’s shift to the BJP is a significant development in Maharashtra’s political arena, particularly in Nashik, where civic elections are a critical battleground. His local influence and organizational skills are expected to strengthen the BJP’s position against rivals like Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Congress. However, his controversial past continues to fuel debates about the BJP’s strategy of inducting leaders with questionable backgrounds to secure electoral advantages.
The induction has also highlighted tensions within the BJP, with local leaders expressing unease over Badgujar’s inclusion. This internal discord could pose challenges for the party as it prepares for upcoming elections, requiring careful management to maintain unity.
Top Interesting Facts About Sudhakar Badgujar
- Local Powerhouse: Badgujar has been a dominant figure in Nashik politics, leveraging his grassroots connections to influence municipal elections.
- Shiv Sena Loyalist Turned BJP Ally: Once a close associate of Sanjay Raut in Shiv Sena (UBT), Badgujar’s defection to the BJP in 2025 marked a major political shift.
- Controversial Past: His alleged links to Salim Kutta, a 1993 Mumbai blasts convict, have made him a polarizing figure in Maharashtra politics.
- UAPA Case: Badgujar was briefly jailed under the UAPA in 2024 but was released due to lack of conclusive evidence.
- Strategic Induction: His entry into the BJP was strategically timed to strengthen the party’s position ahead of Nashik’s civic polls.
- Support from Girish Mahajan: Badgujar credited BJP minister Girish Mahajan for supporting him during a crisis, highlighting Mahajan’s role in his induction.
- Internal BJP Tensions: His entry caused friction within the BJP, with local leaders like Seema Hiray opposing his inclusion.
- Anti-Corruption Case: Badgujar faced allegations of misconduct and forgery in a 2016 case investigated by the ACB in Nashik.
- Electoral Strategy: Badgujar has publicly shared a roadmap for the BJP’s success in Nashik’s municipal elections, showcasing his strategic vision.
- Resilient Comeback: Despite expulsion from Shiv Sena (UBT) and legal battles, Badgujar has maintained his political relevance.
FAQs About Sudhakar Badgujar
1. Who is Sudhakar Badgujar?
Sudhakar Badgujar is a Nashik-based politician who was a senior leader in Shiv Sena (UBT) before joining the BJP in June 2025. He is known for his influence in Nashik’s municipal politics.
Sudhakar Badgujar is a Nashik-based politician who was a senior leader in Shiv Sena (UBT) before joining the BJP in June 2025. He is known for his influence in Nashik’s municipal politics.
2. Why was Sudhakar Badgujar expelled from Shiv Sena (UBT)?
He was expelled on June 4, 2025, for alleged anti-party activities after meeting Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to discuss Nashik Municipal Corporation posts.
He was expelled on June 4, 2025, for alleged anti-party activities after meeting Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to discuss Nashik Municipal Corporation posts.
3. What controversies is Sudhakar Badgujar associated with?
Badgujar has been accused of links with Salim Kutta, a 1993 Mumbai blasts convict, and faced a UAPA case in 2024. He was also investigated for misconduct and forgery by the ACB in 2023.
Badgujar has been accused of links with Salim Kutta, a 1993 Mumbai blasts convict, and faced a UAPA case in 2024. He was also investigated for misconduct and forgery by the ACB in 2023.
4. Why did Sudhakar Badgujar join the BJP?
Badgujar joined the BJP to strengthen its position in Nashik’s civic elections, with support from senior leaders like Girish Mahajan and Devendra Fadnavis.
Badgujar joined the BJP to strengthen its position in Nashik’s civic elections, with support from senior leaders like Girish Mahajan and Devendra Fadnavis.
5. How has Badgujar’s BJP induction impacted Maharashtra politics?
His induction has bolstered the BJP’s prospects in Nashik but sparked internal dissent and criticism from opposition parties like Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress.
His induction has bolstered the BJP’s prospects in Nashik but sparked internal dissent and criticism from opposition parties like Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress.
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