By | Nisar Shaikh
Ratnagiri: In the backdrop of the upcoming local body elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continues to strengthen its base across Maharashtra. Adding momentum to its expansion in the Konkan region, prominent industrialist and former NCP (SP) state general secretary Prashant Yadav formally joined the BJP in the presence of Party State President Ex Minister Ravindra Chavhan and Minister Nitesh Rane.
Prashant Yadav, who serves as Chairman of Vashishthi Milk Dairy, is a well-known entrepreneur in Ratnagiri district and across Konkan. Through his business ventures, he has created thousands of jobs for local youth and supported cattle farmers by establishing a dairy network that boosted their income. Alongside his business role, Yadav also has a long grassroots political background. For over 25 years, he served in Kherdi village panchayat of Chiplun taluka, rising from member to sarpanch. He had contested the recent Assembly elections, where he lost by a margin of 6,000 votes, after which his growing political presence drew the attention of BJP and Shiv Sena leaders.
During the induction ceremony held at the BJP Mumbai office yesterday, Yadav joined the party along with nearly 1,600 key supporters and workers, signaling a major boost for BJP’s prospects in the Konkan. Minister Nitesh Rane had been instrumental in facilitating his entry, having earlier hinted at significant political developments in the region.
Known for his strong social engagement, Yadav recently organized a Krishi Mahotsav (Agriculture Festival) in Konkan, introducing farmers to modern techniques and innovations in agriculture. His entry is expected to inject new energy into BJP’s campaign ahead of the crucial local body elections.
Senior BJP leaders have taken note of his growing influence, and all eyes are now on how Yadav’s organizational skills and political experience will translate into electoral performance in the coming local elections.
