Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav

Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav (born 25 November 1960) is an Indian politician who is serving as the 3rd Minister of Ayush since 2024. He is a member of the Shiv Sena and has been elected to the Lok Sabha for four consecutive terms since 2009, representing the Buldhana Lok Sabha constituency in Maharashtra . Jadhav began his political career in 1986 and served three terms as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from 1995 to 2009. During this period, he also held the position of minister of state for Sports, Youth Welfare, and Irrigation in the Shiv Sena-BJP Government of Maharashtra from 1997 to 1999. In addition to his political roles, Jadhav is actively involved in various community initiatives and social welfare programmes.

Early life Prataprao was born on 25 November 1960 in Mehkar, a town in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra, India.

Jadhav studied at Shri Shivaji College in Chikhli, Maharashtra, where he did not graduate, completing only up to the second year of a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) course in 1979.

In addition to his studies, Jadhav was involved in various extracurricular activities, including sports such as Kabaddi and Cricket, which he continues to enjoy in his personal time. His early life experiences in Mehkar and his engagement with the local community influenced his future political career.

Political career

Jadhav began his political journey in 1986 when he joined the Shiv Sena party. His early political career focused on strengthening the party's presence in the Buldhana district, an area traditionally dominated by the Indian National Congress.

In 1995, Jadhav won his first election to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from the Mehkar Assembly constituency. Following the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance's victory, he was appointed the Minister of State for Sports, Youth Welfare, and Irrigation under Chief Minister Manohar Joshi.

Jadhav transitioned to national politics in 2009 when he was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Buldhana Lok Sabha constituency. He secured consecutive victories in the 2014 and 2019 general elections, establishing himself as a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics. Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha (2009–present) Chairperson, Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Union Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (2024–present)