Varsha Eknath Gaikwad is an Indian politician from the Indian National Congress party, who was the Cabinet Minister of Maharashtra from 30 December 2019 to 29 June 2022. She is a four term Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing the Dharavi Assembly Constituency in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Gaikwad is an official candidate of Indian National Congress in 2024 Lok Sabha election from Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha constituency.
Positions held
- 2004 – 2009: Member of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (1st term)
- 2009 – 2014: Member of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (2nd term)
- 2009-2010: State Minister for Medical Education, Higher and Technical Education, Tourism, Special Assistance
- 2010 – 2014: Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development, Government of Maharashtra
- 2014 – 2019: Member of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (3rd term)
- 2019 – current: Member of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (4th term)
Personal life
Varsha Gaikwad’s father is Eknath Gaikwad, who was a three term Member of parliament. She belongs to an Ambedkarite Buddhist family. She was lecturer in Siddharth College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Mumbai.