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Draft:Lokneta Baliram Yadav

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Lokneta Baliram Kanhaiyyalal Yadav Born: 17 Feb 1935 Jalna, Maharashtra, IndiaDead: 03 Dec 2002 Jalna, Maharashtra, India Occupation: Social Worker, Former Municipal Councillor.Known For: Establishing over 22 slum settlements, grassroots activism.

Early Life and Background

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Baliram Kanhaiyyalal Yadav was born in Jalna, Maharashtra, into a modest family. From an early age, he displayed a strong sense of social responsibility and empathy for the marginalized sections of society. His formative years in Jalna, where he witnessed rampant poverty and inequality, laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to social justice.

Social Work and Contributions

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Baliram Yadav is best known for his exceptional contribution to urban housing and slum rehabilitation. Recognizing the dire need for shelter among the poor, Yadav helped establish over 22 informal settlements (slums) across Jalna district, giving thousands of families access to homes and community infrastructure. These settlements were often built on government or forest land and later evolved into recognized localities.

Major Slum Settlements Established by Yadav:

  1. Kanhaiyya Nagar
  2. Ramnagar
  3. Pensionpura
  4. Khristicump
  5. Valmik Nagar
  6. Khandsari
  7. Hanumanghat
  8. Mission Hospital
  9. Kranti Nagar
  10. Lalbagh
  11. Murgi Talaw
  12. Ambad Road
  13. Sangram Nagar
  14. Sanjay Nagar
  15. Thorpura
  16. Lakkadkot
  17. Indiranagar
  18. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Nagar
  19. Mammadevi Nagar
  20. Kandi Mohalla
  21. Guru Govind Nagar
  22. Bhimnagar
  23. Hamalwadi
  24. Chandanzira
  25. Chittodnagar
  26. Shahiyyad Nagar

Through these initiatives, Baliram Yadav became a beloved figure among the working-class communities of Jalna. He provided not just land and shelter, but also support for basic amenities, community unity, and social justice.

Political Career

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In 1985, Yadav contested the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections from the Jalna constituency as an independent candidate. He received 1,015 votes, making up about 2% of the total vote share. Though he did not win, the campaign showcased his popularity and dedication to representing the underprivileged in formal politics.

He also served as a municipal councillor for one term, during which he focused on improving living conditions in low-income areas. His time in office was marked by efforts to provide clean water, sanitation, and basic infrastructure to the communities he helped create.

2025 Chowk Controversy

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In early 2025, a political controversy erupted over a square in Kanhaiyya Nagar named Lokneta Baliram Yadav Chowk. A group of individuals renamed it Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Chowk, allegedly to create political tension.

On 14 March 2025, during the Holi festival, a young boy was seen removing posters of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj from the renamed chowk. A video of the incident went viral, sparking widespread outrage.

During a Vidhan Sabha session on 18 March 2025, local MLA Arjun Khotkar indirectly referenced the incident and linked it to Vinod Baliram Yadav, a Congress worker and son of Baliram Yadav. Khotkar alleged that the name change and the poster removal were part of a political agenda by Congress.

Following this, Shivpratishthan Jalna performed a symbolic "Doodh Abhishek" (milk anointing) at the chowk. The issue remains a subject of political debate and public sentiment in Jalna, highlighting how Yadav's legacy has become a focal point in local politics.

Legacy

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Despite the controversies, Baliram Yadav remains a respected figure for his lifelong dedication to the poor and marginalized. His work in providing shelter, promoting community welfare, and participating in public life has left an indelible mark on Jalna’s urban development.

Yadav’s legacy is one of grassroots empowerment, and his name continues to evoke respect among thousands who benefitted from his tireless efforts.

See Also

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References

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1) ElectionFate.in – Candidate Details: Yadav Baliram Kanhiyalal (1985 Assembly Election)