Coming from a political family, Jadhav joined politics somewhat reluctantly in 2004, losing the Assembly election that year as an Independent.[6] He was elected to Vidhan Sabha in 2009 from the Kannad Assembly Constituency as a Maharashtra Navnirman Sena nominee. He won the seat for the consecutive term in 2014, but this time he was with Shiv Sena.[7]
Jadhav contested 2019 Lok Sabha election as an independent from Aurangabad. Jadhav gained sizable Maratha support, which resulted in Shiv Sena losing the seat after having won it for 4 consecutive elections.[8][9] In the aftermath, his house was pelted with stones by Shiv Sena supporters for his comments about Uddhav Thackeray.[10][11] While he had floated his own party "Shiv Swarajya Paksha/Shiv Swarajya Bahujan Paksh", he contested as an Independent.[11][12][13] He later announced that the party will continue fielding candidates in upcoming state elections.[14]
Jadhav rejoined MNS in 2020 and was tasked with playing an influential role in Marathwada politics.[15][16]
In May 2020, Jadhav announced that he has retired from politics and would support his wife further her political ambitions.[15][20][21]
Controversies
In 2011, Jadhav was involved in assault case where he claimed he was assaulted by the police. A counter-case was filed by the police alleging he was the one who instigated the attacks.[22] Two cops were suspended after the incidence[23] and in 2017 Jadhav sentenced to one year in jail.[24] In 2014, He was again in the news for slapping a security officer.[25]
In March 2020, a case was registered against Jadhav for verbally assaulting a person from Scheduled caste under the atrocities act.[26] His camp denied allegations and called the charges politically motivated.[27]
In Dec 2020, the Bopodi Police station lodged an FIR against him for attempted murder in a road rage incident in Aundh, Pune in which he was later granted bail and the opposing were charged under the same.[citation needed]
Personal life
Jadhav is the son of Late Raibhan Jadhav, a politician from Indian national congress and
also social worker who was locally known as Krishi Maharshi for his agricultural work in the kannad constituency.[3][6]
After series of video posts over previous months,[28] Jadhav filed for divorce in August 2020 citing mental anguish.[29]