Nagpur: Senior BJP leader Krishna Khopde, who has won the Nagpur East assembly seat for the fourth time, dismissed speculation about seeking a ministerial post despite growing demands from party workers. "The thought of seeking a ministerial post doesn't even cross my mind. The party's faith in me is my greatest reward. I will continue to focus on development and follow the party's directive," Khopde told TOI while celebrating his historic win.
Khopde won with a record margin of 1,15,288 votes, cementing his dominance in the constituency and reinforcing BJP's stronghold in the region.
Known for his grass roots connection and focus on developmental issues, Khopde attributed his success to the transformative initiatives he has championed in Nagpur East. "Projects like flyovers, cement roads in previously inaccessible areas, strengthening the water supply with new overhead tanks, and Smart City projects such as a fire station and skill development centre have changed the face of this part of the city," he said.
Criticizing past govts for neglecting the area, he assured voters that even more ambitious projects are planned for the future.
Khopde's consistency as a leader is evident in his electoral track record. First elected in 2009 after defeating Congress veteran Satish Chaturvedi, Khopde has steadily increased his victory margins over the years. He surpassed his 2014 margin of 35,216 votes and his 2019 margin of 24,017 votes, polling 1,63,390 votes in 2024 — an unparalleled across Vidarbha's 62 assembly seats.
The MLA also emphasized the crucial role of women voters in his victories. "Women have been a backbone of my electoral success. Their trust reflects our commitment to addressing their concerns and improving their lives through developmental policies," he said.
Khopde's leadership during the Lok Sabha elections further enhanced his stature when he secured a lead of 73,371 votes for Union minister Nitin Gadkari in Nagpur East, earning him the title of a "modern-day Shrikrishna".
Looking ahead, Khopde is expected to play a pivotal role in bolstering BJP's performance in the upcoming Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections. His development-centric approach and consistent engagement with voters make him a crucial asset for the party as it seeks to retain its hold over the civic body.
On his future in state politics, Khopde remained grounded. "My focus is on delivering results and addressing people's issues. Whether in assembly elections or NMC polls, my efforts will always align with the party's vision of inclusive development," he said.