Omprakash Babarao Kadu, popularly known as Bachchu Kadu, has carved a niche for himself in Maharashtra politics as a fiery leader championing the cause of the marginalized, particularly farmers and the disabled, in the Vidarbha region. A four-time former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Achalpur, Amravati district, Kadu's journey is marked by his unconventional methods of protest and unwavering commitment to social justice.
Born on July 5, 1970, Kadu's political career began in 1997 when he was elected to the Chandurbazar Panchayat Samiti. He founded the Prahar Janshakti Party (PJP) in 1999, an organization that became his political vehicle for advocating the rights of farmers, laborers, the homeless, and the disabled. Kadu secured his first term as an MLA in 2004 and went on to win the next three consecutive elections. Although he lost the 2024 election to a BJP candidate, his influence in the region remains considerable.
Kadu's political career is defined by his aggressive advocacy and unique style of "agitations". He has been known to confront government officials, sometimes resorting to physical force, for allegedly seeking bribes or neglecting the needs of farmers. While these actions have led to numerous legal cases against him—reportedly over 250 at one point—they have also solidified his image as a "messiah" for the downtrodden.
His methods have often been unconventional, even controversial. In one instance, he climbed an overhead water tank with supporters, threatening to jump if the government did not address farmers' suicides. More recently, in October 2025, Kadu sparked outrage by urging farmers to "kill" or "slash" legislators instead of committing suicide due to distress over low cotton prices and other agricultural issues. These remarks drew strong criticism from other political figures, who accused him of inciting violence.
Despite the controversies, Kadu has held significant positions in the Maharashtra government. He served as Minister of State in the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, handling portfolios such as Water Resources, School Education, and Women and Child Development. In 2022, he joined the Eknath Shinde-led faction, contributing to the collapse of the MVA government. In 2023, he was appointed Chairperson of the state-level Divyang Welfare Committee, gaining the rank of a cabinet minister and demonstrating his continued focus on disability rights. He envisions expanding the Divyang Welfare Department's presence in every district to ensure comprehensive support.
Kadu's commitment to social causes extends beyond his political activities. He is known for organizing blood donation camps and has personally donated blood over 80 times. He once mortgaged his 20-acre land to help the poor and disabled in his region. In 2018, he appointed a team of social workers to help underprivileged people access the Indigent Patients Fund (IPF) scheme, ensuring they receive proper healthcare.
Recently, Kadu has been leading a "Maha Elgar Morcha" of farmers in Nagpur, demanding a complete loan waiver. When the state government offered a meeting in Mumbai, Kadu insisted it be held in Nagpur to avoid disrupting the farmers' protest. Despite his controversial statements and actions, Bacchu Kadu remains a significant figure in Maharashtra politics, particularly in Vidarbha. He embodies the spirit of a rebel, consistently challenging the status quo and fighting for the rights of those he believes are forgotten by the system. His journey reflects a blend of social activism, political maneuvering, and a deep-seated commitment to the welfare of Maharashtra's most vulnerable citizens.
