Jyoti Waghmare

Waghmare worked as a college professor for over a decade, including as a faculty member at Walchand College of Arts and Science in Solapur. She began her public activities through human rights campaigns, the Vidrohi cultural movement, and the Ambedkarite movement. For a brief period, she worked as a news anchor. She has delivered lectures across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh on the thoughts of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Shivaji Maharaj, and Basaveshwara.^[1][2][3][4]

Waghmare started her political journey with local social work in Solapur and served as a corporator in the Solapur Municipal Corporation. She joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in April 2023 following the party split and was quickly appointed as the party's state spokesperson and district contact chief for Dharashiv (Osmanabad). Known as a firebrand orator, she frequently represented the party in debates and public forums.^[1][2][3][4]

On 5 March 2026, the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde group) nominated her as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra, projecting her as an educated Dalit woman leader from western Maharashtra and a symbol of opportunity for grassroots workers. Her election was unopposed. During her oath-taking on 6 April 2026, she paid tribute to Savitribai Phule by wearing a traditional blue nine-yard saree with head covering, a nose ring, and a distinctive horizontal mark on her forehead. Her party has often referred to her as "Ladli Bahin" and "Babasaheb's beloved daughter," highlighting her role in promoting social justice and inclusive representation.^[1][2][3][4]