From Shooting Range to Political Spotlight: Vikram Kakade, NCP’s Emerging Frontrunner For MLC

Kakade trained at the Gun for Glory Shooting Academy, the high-performance centre founded by Olympic medalist Gagan Narang. It was here that he honed a temperament built on precision and patience, qualities essential to competitive shooting. His efforts translated into tangible success when he secured a gold medal in the double trap event at the G.V. Mavlankar Shooting Championships in 2013, marking his presence on the national stage.

Those who have followed his journey often point to this phase as formative, not just for the accolades, but for the mindset it instilled. Shooting, after all, is as much about mental control as it is about skill, and Kakade’s sporting years appear to have laid a strong foundation for the roles he would gradually step into.

Over time, his focus expanded beyond the shooting range into the world of business. Based in Pune, he has been closely associated with infrastructure and real estate ventures linked to family-run enterprises. In a sector that demands both long-term vision and on-ground execution, Kakade has quietly built experience, staying largely away from the limelight while strengthening his operational understanding.

While several names have already been put forward, attention is steadily shifting toward Vikram Kakade. The Nationalist Congress Party is yet to formally announce its choice, but within internal discussions, Kakade has emerged as a strong contender for MLC elections 2026. Sources suggest that his growing visibility is not incidental. His name has gained momentum in recent days, aided by support from Rajya Sabha MP Parth Pawar, placing him within a closely watched circle of younger leaders. Amid a broader field of candidates, this backing has helped bring Kakade into sharper focus, signalling a possible next step in his evolving public profile.

In recent years, his public visibility has grown, driven not just by lineage or business, but also by his associations within emerging circles of leadership. He is often seen as part of the younger network around Parth Pawar, a grouping that reflects a more contemporary, next-generation outlook within Maharashtra’s evolving socio-political landscape. This association has added a new dimension to his profile, positioning him among a cohort that is increasingly being watched for future roles and responsibilities.

What makes Kakade’s trajectory noteworthy is this intersection of worlds: sport, enterprise, and public engagement. Each phase seems to have contributed a different layer, the discipline of sport, the pragmatism of business, and the visibility that comes with larger networks and affiliations.

As conversations around his next steps continue to gather pace, Vikram Kakade represents a familiar yet evolving archetype, the second-generation entrant who is not merely defined by legacy, but is actively shaping a path that reflects both continuity and change.