MUMBAI, BABITA P.M.,7 TH APRIL 2026 : As of April 6, 2026, Athawale achieved a “hat-trick” by taking the oath as a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament for the third consecutive time. He was elected unopposed from Maharashtra along with other leaders like Sharad Pawar.The oath was administered by Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan in the presence of Deputy Chairman Harivansh and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. Floor leaders of various parties were also present during the ceremony in the House. The members were a mix of those who won renomination and first-timers among the 19 who took oath. DMK leader Tiruchi Siva who entered Rajya Sabha in 2000 will be beginning his fifth term.NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar and Union minister Ramdas Athawale were among 26 candidates who were elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha on Monday (March 9, 2026).In Maharashtra, all seven candidates including six of the ruling Mahayuti alliance and opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi nominee Sharad Pawar, were elected unopposed.
Ramdas Athawale Sworn In for Third Consecutive Rajya Sabha Term; Pledges ‘Bheem Sankalp’ Elected Unopposed
Addressing the ceremony Ramdas Athawale said, “I am honored to take the oath for the third time today as a Member of Rajya Sabha. On the occasion of the upcoming birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar ji, I take this ‘Bheem Sankalp’ that my tenure will be dedicated to the upliftment of the deprived, exploited, and Dalits.”
Union minister Athawale and BJP leader Vinod Tawde were elected unopposed from Maharashtra. Besides, BJP’s Ramrao Wadkute and Maya Ivnate, a former mayor of Nagpur, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena’s Jyoti Waghmare were also elected unopposed, along with former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar’s son Parth Pawar.
Political Role: Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment since 2016.
Constituency: Currently represents Maharashtra in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House).Background: Born on December 25, 1959, in Agalgaon, Sangli district, Maharashtra.Education: Attended Siddharth College of Law in Mumbai.
Advocacy: He is widely known for his advocacy for Dalit rights and marginalized communities.State Level Role: Served as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council and a cabinet minister in Maharashtra from 1990 to 1995.Lok Sabha Profile: Previously served as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha representing Mumbai North Central (1998–1999) and Pandharpur (1999–2009).
Speaking to NH about Maharashtra and Mumbai Roads Athawale said, Today’s day is truly grand. The mantra of #MumbailnMinutes that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji gave has been brought to life by our Chief Minister Deva Bhau’ Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and MMRDA together.An investment of more than Rs 24,000 crore rupees is underway. Be it Metro 9, Metro 2B, or that amazing Thane-Borivali tunnel… and what’s more, now even the air-running ‘pod taxi’ is on its way!Now, Mumbaikars won’t get stuck and frustrated in traffic, but will zip straight to their destination. This is real development! I extend my heartiest congratulations to Shinde ji, Fadnavis ji, and the entire @MMRDAOfficial team.
