MLA Samadhan Autade: A Visionary and Development-Oriented Leader of Pandharpur-Mangalvedha Constituency

In the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly, MLA Samadhan Dada Autade is an influential leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Solapur district, representing the Pandharpur-Mangalvedha constituency. Known for his direct public engagement, Autade’s contributions span infrastructure, agricultural welfare, education, and
healthcare. His prompt response to the needs of his constituents has established him as a trustworthy leader among both urban and rural communities in Pandharpur and Mangalvedha.

Political Background and Leadership Style
Guided by the BJP’s principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (With All, Development for All), Autade has actively addressed local issues, working tirelessly to bring government schemes to the common people. This has fostered a deep sense of trust and affection between him and the citizens of Pandharpur-Mangalvedha.

Major Development Projects in Pandharpur-Mangalvedha

Infrastructure and Road Development
Under Autade’s leadership, significant progress has been made in road construction and infrastructure. Numerous new roads have been constructed, while existing roads have been widened and repaired. Additional bridges have also been built for better connectivity, enabling local farmers to transport their produce with ease.

Agriculture and Farmer Welfare
Staying true to his promise of tackling the water scarcity in 24 villages of Mangalvedha, Autade, with the support of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, secured approval for the Mangalvedha Lift Irrigation Project, marking the start of water supply for these drought-stricken areas. The project is currently underway in its first and second phases, providing relief to the community.

Social Welfare and Women Empowerment
Autade places strong emphasis on women’s empowerment. By organizing gatherings and programs attended by over 70,000 women, he has created a supportive environment for them. His close engagement with the women of his constituency has fostered a unique sense of solidarity and respect.

Education Initiatives
Autade has made significant contributions to education by constructing 81 classrooms for Anganwadis and Zilla Parishad schools. By improving rural paths and connecting students to schools, he has made school access more manageable for young learners.

Healthcare Facilities
Autade has also prioritized healthcare, securing approvals for a 200-bed hospital in Pandharpur, as well as a 1,000-bed advanced hospital, which will be a milestone for local healthcare. He also gained approval for a 100-bed sub-district.

Temple and Religious Tourism Development

Autade has approved funds for the renovation of Shri Vitthal Temple, a revered pilgrimage site, and supported a “skywalk” project inspired by Tirupati Balaji for convenient worship. He also funded the construction of statues of iconic figures like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and Rajmata Ahilyadevi Holkar.

Challenges and Future Plans

Autade’s primary objectives include ensuring continuous development, securing permanent water solutions for 24 villages, and promoting employment opportunities through Pandharpur’s industrial growth. He
aims to drive sustainable growth for the benefit of current and future generations.

MLA Samadhan Autade has made remarkable contributions across various sectors in the Pandharpur-Mangalvedha constituency. Through his visionary leadership, a new model of modern development has emerged, paving the way for a prosperous future for the region’s residents.

MLA Samadhan Dada Autade: Championing Pandharpur’s Development with the Landmark MIDC Approval and Empowering Local Youth for a Thriving Future.

Pandharpur, a spiritual hub often called “Pandhari,” is renowned as the land of Lord Vitthal, attracting countless devotees from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana, and across India. For each of the four major annual pilgrimages, millions make their way to Pandharpur, a city that comes alive with chants of “Vitthal Vitthal.” Yet, while it draws so many pilgrims, thousands of local youths are compelled to leave Vitthal’s land in search of employment in cities like Pune and Mumbai. Young people who want to start their own ventures often face a lack of space and resources in Pandharpur due to an absence of political will.

In November 1984, educated unemployed youth marched to demand an industrial area (MIDC) in Pandharpur, and generations since have heard repeated promises of MIDC approval, yet little action was taken. Determined to fulfill his by-election promise, MLA Autade worked tirelessly, pushing forward both the Mangalvedha Lift Irrigation Scheme and the approval of MIDC for the area. He resolved to bring about MIDC approval to create jobs for the local youth. In November 2021, despite an oppositionled state government, Autade took the proposal to Industries Minister Subhash Desai for initial approval.

Following the establishment of the Mahayuti government led by Eknath Shinde, Autade, with the guidance of Chief Minister Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers
Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and Industries Minister Uday Samant, continued persistent efforts. On February 15, 2023, after surveying land at Kasegaon in Pandharpur taluka, a proposal was submitted for MIDC. By June 2023, preliminary approval was received, and in December, Industries Minister Samant held a review meeting to expedite the process. Finally, on August 21, 2024, the long-awaited MIDC notification for Kasegaon in Pandharpur taluka was released.

With the announcement, people across Pandharpur celebrated by distributing sweets. MLA Autade placed the official MIDC approval letter at Lord Vitthal’s feet, seeking blessings, and with a deep sense of gratitude, he continued his dedicated service to the community. The youth who marched in 1984 may not have seen justice in their time, but thanks to Autade’s perseverance, justice has been delivered to the new generation. His tireless dedication and duty-bound nature have made MLA Samadhan Autade a deeply respected and trusted leader in the community

MLA Samadhan Dada Autade: Transforming Mangalvedha’s Future with the Landmark Mangalvedha Lift Irrigation Scheme, Bringing Water and Hope to Drought-Stricken Villages.

For years, the water scarcity in Mangalvedha had been a source of despair for its people, with political promises made but rarely fulfilled. During the 2021 by-elections, Autade emerged as a leader committed to action, promising the people, “Though I was born during drought, I will not die in it.”

Determined to erase the drought’s stigma on Mangalvedha, MLA Autade relentlessly pursued the Mangalvedha Lift Irrigation Scheme, securing an unconditional approval on March 13, 2024, for 24 villages in the region. With vital support from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Autade ensured that the approval didn’t languish but progressed swiftly to implementation. Just a day after approval, tenders for the first phase were issued, underscoring Autade’s commitment to delivering on his promises.

With the tendering process completed in August 2024 and visible work underway, opponents attempted to mislead the public, engaging in credit battles. However, undeterred, MLA Autade continued lobbying for the second phase. On September 7, 2024, in the presence of thousands, the Mangalvedha Lift Irrigation Scheme was inaugurated, symbolizing a new beginning for the drought-stricken area. The ceremony was marked by the installation of symbolic iron pipes, signaling Autade’s resolve not to play politics with the people’s plight but to address their needs with dedication.

Following up on promises immediately, Autade pursued the second phase of the irrigation scheme, returning to Mumbai with Deputy CM Fadnavis and securing another tender for ₹78.43 crores, issued within two days on September 9. People across the constituency began to describe him as the “Water-Bringing MLA” for his determination and effective leadership.

Now cherished as a “Water-Blessed MLA,” Autade’s legacy resonates with the end of generations-long struggles for water in Mangalvedha. With this triumph, the MLA has not only fulfilled his promises but has also set a benchmark for dedicated public service.