Bio- data of M.P. Raju Shetti

Raju Shetti,
Member of Parliament,
Lok Sabha

Name
:
Raju alias Devappa Anna Shetti
Address
:
Shetti Mala, Arjunwad Road, Shirol
Tal. Shirol, Dist Kolhapur (M. S.)
Res. Phone
:
02322-236597 Mobile: +91 9822542327
Date of Birth
:
1st June 1967
Marital Status
:
Married. Spouse: Sangeeta
Children
:
1 son (about 12 yrs) Saurabh
Education
:
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Office Address
:
9th Lane, Jaisingpur, Tal. Shirol, Dist. Kolhapur - 41610
Office Phone
:
02322-224327/225027 Fax: 02322-224327
Occupation
:
Agriculturist
Hobbies
:
Reading, Writing for news papers and periodicals, Watching Cricket Matches, Traveling, Studying Political and Social activities, Get associated with personalities in different fields and try to get their assistance in solving problem of down trodden and farmers.
Social career
:
· Member of the Executive Committee of the more than 125 year old library Rajarshi Shahu Wachan Mandir, Shirol from 1988; took active part in development of the library.
· Impressed by the philosophy and economics behind it, joined Shetkari Sanghatana founded by Shri. Sharad Joshi in 1992.
· Was appointed as the President of Shirol Taluka Shetkari Sanghatana
· Was caned by police and severely injured in 1996 while agitating against the ‘Zone Bandi’ order on sugarcane
· Led several agitations on various problems of people in Shirol Taluka.
· Had honour to be the Executive President of the 8th Convention of the Shetkari Sanghatana held on 11th and 12th November 2000 at Miraj, Dist. Sangli which was attended by over 2 laks farmers from all over India.
· Was appointed as President, Shetkari Sanghatana, Western Maharashtra in May 2001
· Was elected as Zilla Parishad member from the Udgaon Constituency of Kolhapur Zilla Parishd in February 2002
· Actively participated in agitation for SMP of Sugarcane in November 2002, was severely attacked by Sugar Factory goons cause deadly head injuries.
· Because of dispute on political decision at the time of Lok Sabha Elections 2004, was expelled from the Shetkari Sanghatana; founded Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana to continue the fight separately for the cause of farmers and farming.
· Contested the Maharashtra State Legislative Assembly Elections on initiative of and on expenses from the fund collected by the people and was elected as Member of Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra State from the Shirol Constituency by more than 19500 votes in October 2004. Then President of India Dr. A. P. J. Abul Kalam Azad appreciated the victory as a true mandate of democracy. The amount saved from the election fond collected was utilised to start publishing a fortnightly ‘Swabhimani Vichar’ as the people refused to accept the refund offered.
· Conducted voluntary rescue operation for flood affected people of Bastwad village in Shirol Taluka with the help of local activists and doctors in July 2005. Also agitated for compensation for the loss caused by the flood and succeeded in getting governmental aid of over Rs. 53 crore for the region released.


· As an MLA in Maharashtra Assembly, fought for various problems of the people in all constitutional means.
· Organised Milk Conference at Bhogavati, Tal. Karveer on 16 October 2006 and started Milk Price agitation and continued it till 2007.
· Conducted a ‘Nirdhar Yatra’ on foot in scorching heat for 13 days which visited 600 villages through 420 kms. from 19 April to1st May 2007.
· Visited tribal areas in Maharashtra as a member of ‘Scheduled Tribes Welfare Committee’ of the Maharashtra Assembly and pointed out corruption in various welfare schemes for tribals.
· Founded ‘Swabhimani Paksha’ in 2005.
· Founded ‘Krishibhushan Vividh Karyakari Society (1994), ‘Bhumata Banana and other fruit Co-op. Producers Sanstha (1999)’ with a view to promote nationwide direct marketing of vegetable and fruit produced by farmers.
· Started ‘Swabhimani Agro Products Producers Company’ of farmers by collecting Rs. 2.5 crore share capital from farmers to realize just price for milk.
· Promoted concept of community farming amongst banana producer farmers in Kolhapur district.
· Elected as Member of Parliament from the Hatkanagale Lok Sabha Constituency in the Lok Sabha Election 2009 thanks to the support of the common voters and funds voluntarily gathered by them.