Eknath Gaikwad

Eknath Gaikwad (1 January 1940 – 28 April 2021) was an Indian politician from the Indian National Congress (INC) political party. He was a member of the 15th Lok Sabha and the 14th Lok Sabha of India. He died from COVID-19 in 2021.

Personal life
Gaikwad belonged to an Ambedkarite Buddhist family. Gaikwad's daughter is Varsha Gaikwad, who is a four term Member of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and a ex-Cabinet Minister of Maharashtra.

Career
He represented the Mumbai South Central constituency of Mumbai. He lost the seat to Rahul Shewale in 2014. He has been three times a Member of Legislative Assembly from Dharavi and also twice state minister of Maharashtra state cabinet. Since 1985, he has represented Dharavi which is Asia's largest slum.

Positions held

 * 1985-1990: Member of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly
 * 1990-1995: Member of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly
 * 1999-2004: Member of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly
 * 1999-2004: Maharashtra State Minister For Health, Medical Education, Social Justice, Housing and Slum Development and Labour
 * 2004-2009: Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
 * 2009-2014: Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
 * 2017-2020: President Of Mumbai Congress Committee