Bavkubhai Undhad: Fearless Patidar Farmer Leader and Dedicated Social Worker

(Utkarsh Patel)

Bavkubhai Nathabhai Undhad is a well-known name in Amreli district of Gujarat who raised his voice for the interests of farmers and has made a long journey in the political and social field. He is a former cabinet minister, MLA and most famously known as the “Fearless Farmer Leader”. Popularly known by the nickname “Adadhi Raat No Honkaro (Midnight Roar)”, Bavkubhai has drawn attention many times by taking the problems of farmers to the state and national level. As a native of Wadia (Kunkawav taluka, Amreli), he is considered the pride of Amreli district.

Bavkubhai was born on 10 May 1958. He is a B.A. graduate and is a farmer, businessman and social worker by profession. He is aware of the problems of farmers, due to which he has been directly involved in the happiness and sorrow of farmers.

Political career journey:

Bavkubhai's political journey started with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He has mainly been a representative of the Lathi assembly constituency and has also contested from the Amreli seat. He was elected as an MLA from Lathi from 1998 to 2002 and from 2002 to 2007. He was the Minister of State for Petrochemicals (Independent Charge) and Ports from 2001-2002. He was the Minister of State for Sports, Youth Services and Cultural Activities from 2002 to 2005, after which he held important responsibilities as the Cabinet Minister for Energy and Petrochemicals. In 2012, he joined the Indian National Congress and won from the Lathi seat. In 2014, he returned to the BJP and won the Lathi by-election. In 2017, he also contested from the Amreli seat on behalf of the BJP. He has been the president of the Bharatiya Kisan Pradesh Morcha and has also served as the working president of the Amreli District Panchayat. Today, he is active as a former minister and former MLA and listens to the problems of the people.

Contribution to farmers:

Bavkubhai Undhad's biggest contribution is to the farming community. He has always been at the forefront of the interests of farmers and has put forward their demands before the state government many times. He has been fearlessly speaking out on the problems of farmers such as increase in farming costs, not getting a fair price in the market, shortage of irrigation, increase in the price of seeds for electricity, debt waiver, implementation of MSP (Minimum Support Price) and relief in natural calamities. Amreli district is dependent on agriculture and the farmers here have to face problems of water, electricity and market. Bavkubhai has brought these problems to the state leadership and provided relief many times. He holds regular meetings, rallies and discussions with farmers' unions and youth organizations. Under his leadership, the issues of farmers have been strongly presented on the political stage.

He emphasizes nationalism instead of casteism in the Patidar society and says that "No casteism, no opportunism... only nationalism". This ideology has helped in uniting the farmers. He encourages farmers to take advantage of modern agriculture, new technologies and government schemes.

Social service and other contributions:

Apart from farmers, Bavkubhai has contributed in many areas of Patidar society. In 2025, he donated 61 bighas of land in Nani Kundal village of Babra taluka of Amreli to Khodaldham Trust (Kagvad). This land will be used for social, educational, health and religious works. He said that "It is my duty to give something to the society". The trust honored him for this work.

Bavkubhai Undhad's life is a living example of dedication, fearlessness and service. Both his fight for the interests of farmers and social service have earned him a special place in the hearts of the farmers of Amreli and Gujarat. His work continues to inspire many people even today.

(The writer is a prominent businessman, social worker and founder of khabarchhe.com)