As Gujarat CM, Madhavsinh Solanki Was the Precursor to Mandal Politics
He rode to power after uniting Gujarat s marginalised classes, but was unable to politically empower these sections.
Madhavsinh Solanki. Photo: PTI
Politics09/Jan/2021
Madhavsinh Solanki, who passed away at the ripe old age of 93 on Saturday, will be remembered for being the precursor to what later came to be known as Mandal politics under V.P. Singhâs prime ministership which sought to empower the other backward classes (OBCs). He became Gujarat’s chief minister after leading the Congress to win 142 assembly seats in 1980, followed by 149 seats in 1985. Keen political watchers attribute Solankiâs success to uniting backward castes, Dalits, Adivasis and Muslims.