Kedar Dighe is a prominent political leader in Maharashtra, India, affiliated with the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction). He holds the significant role of district chief for Thane, appointed in 2022 by Uddhav Thackeray, leader of his faction.
Kedar is well-known as the nephew of the late Anand Dighe, a respected figure in the Shiv Sena who had an impactful presence in Thane’s political landscape. His candidacy for the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections from the Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency has drawn much attention, especially due to his competition with Eknath Shinde, the current Chief Minister and former mentee of Anand Dighe. This election is seen as a symbolic rivalry between the two Shiv Sena factions.
Age and Background
As of 2024, Kedar Dighe is 44 years old. He is a native of Thane, Maharashtra, where his family has a strong political legacy due to his uncle’s influence. His father, Kanikarla Dighe, maintains a relatively private life, but the family is well-regarded in Maharashtra’s political circles.
Family and Personal Life
Kedar Dighe comes from a politically influential family within Maharashtra, particularly due to the legacy left by his uncle, Anand Dighe. While details about his immediate family, including his wife and children, are scarce, Kedar’s familial ties have played a considerable role in his rise within the Shiv Sena.
Political Career
Kedar’s political journey began in earnest when he was appointed as Thane district chief of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) in 2022. His appointment was seen as a strategic move to consolidate Shiv Sena’s hold in Thane amidst the party split. The position is especially challenging, as Thane is the stronghold of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, a leader who rose under the guidance of Kedar’s uncle, Anand Dighe.
Kedar has been actively involved in strengthening Shiv Sena’s grassroots structure, mobilizing community support, and retaining party loyalty. He has collaborated closely with influential leaders within the party, such as Anita Birje, head of the women’s wing in Thane, to extend the party’s reach. With his deep ties to Anand Dighe’s legacy, Kedar has become a central figure in the Thane district, organizing rallies, overseeing campaigns, and preparing for the upcoming 2024 elections.
Notable Election Campaign
The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections mark a pivotal moment in Kedar Dighe’s career, as he competes against Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for the Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency. This high-profile face-off reflects the internal struggle within Shiv Sena, with both leaders invoking Anand Dighe’s legacy as they vie for public support.
Controversies
In 2022, Kedar Dighe faced legal challenges when he was implicated in a criminal intimidation case linked to a rape allegation involving an associate. Although not directly accused in the rape case, Kedar faced allegations of threatening the victim. He was granted pre-arrest bail, with the court citing insufficient evidence for a custodial interrogation.
Net Worth
Information on Kedar Dighe’s exact net worth is not publicly available.
FAQs
Who is Kedar Dighe?
Kedar Dighe is a key figure in Maharashtra’s politics, affiliated with the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) and serving as the district chief of Thane. He is also the nephew of the late Shiv Sena leader Anand Dighe.
What is his role in the 2024 Maharashtra elections?
Kedar Dighe is contesting the elections from the Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency, running against Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in what is anticipated as one of Maharashtra’s most closely watched political contests.
Has he been involved in controversies?
Yes, Kedar was involved in a legal controversy in 2022 related to a criminal intimidation charge. He received pre-arrest bail, and the case did not proceed to custodial interrogation due to a lack of substantial evidence.