Rupali Chakankar is a prominent Indian politician from Maharashtra serving as the chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission (MSCW). She is known for her work in women’s empowerment and is a key leader in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), specifically the faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The politician has been at the forefront of advocating for women’s rights across Maharashtra.
Rupali Chakankar Wikipedia
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Rupali Nilesh Chakankar |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | 28 May 1982 |
| Age | 43 years (as of 2026) |
| Place of birth | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| Current residence | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Ethnicity | Maratha |
| Zodiac sign | Gemini |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Weight | 61 kg (134 lbs) |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Black |
| Body measurements | 34-26-34 |
| Marital status | Married |
| Spouse | Nilesh Chakankar |
| Children | One son (Soham Chakankar) |
| Father | Babanrao Borate |
| Mother | Parvati Borate |
| Alma mater | Savitribai Phule Pune University (MBA) |
| Profession | Politician, Social Activist |
| Political Party | Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) |
| Position | Chairperson, Maharashtra State Women’s Commission |
| Net worth | ₹7 crore (estimated) |
Who is Rupali Chakankar?
Rupali Chakankar is a well-known political figure in Maharashtra who has dedicated her career to women’s welfare and empowerment.
She holds the position of chairperson at the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission, a role she was first appointed to in October 2021 and reappointed in October 2024.
Her work focuses on addressing women’s issues, advocating for their rights, and implementing policies for their betterment across the state.
Born and raised in Pune, Chakankar comes from a Maratha family with strong values. She pursued her education with determination, completing her MBA from Savitribai Phule Pune University.
This educational background equipped her with the management and leadership skills that have proven valuable in her political career.
How old is Rupali Chakankar? Age and birthday
Rupali Chakankar is 43 years old as of 2026. She was born on 28 May 1982 in Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Her zodiac sign is Gemini, which is often associated with communication skills and adaptability—traits that have served her well in her political journey.
Rupali Chakankar’s height, weight, and body measurements
Rupali Chakankar stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall (168 cm) and weighs around 61 kg (134 lbs). She has black hair and black eyes, with estimated body measurements of 34-26-34.
The politician maintains a professional and dignified appearance that reflects her role as a public figure and women’s rights advocate.
Career
Early Political Beginnings
Rupali Chakankar began her political journey with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), where she quickly rose through the ranks.
Her early work involved grassroots activism, where she managed 149 women’s saving groups (bachat gats), demonstrating her commitment to women’s economic empowerment from the start.
NCP Women’s Wing President
Before her appointment to the state commission, Chakankar served as the State President of the NCP’s Women’s Wing (Rashtrawadi Mahila Congress).
In this role, she mobilized women across Maharashtra, organized awareness campaigns, and worked to increase women’s participation in politics.
Maharashtra State Women’s Commission Chairperson
Chakankar was first appointed as the chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission in October 2021.
Her appointment marked a turning point in her career, giving her a larger platform to address women’s issues at the state level. She was reappointed to this position in October 2024, demonstrating confidence in her leadership.
As chairperson, she handles complaints related to women’s safety, harassment, dowry, domestic violence, and other gender-based issues.
She has been involved in several high-profile cases, including the Vaishnavi Hagawane dowry death case in 2025, which brought significant media attention.
Key Achievements and Initiatives
Throughout her tenure, Chakankar has pushed for the establishment of Vishakha committees in workplaces to prevent sexual harassment.
She has also been vocal about online safety for women and has worked with technology companies to address cybercrime against women.
In January 2026, she submitted a formal complaint to the Election Commission regarding irregularities in Pune Municipal Corporation elections, specifically highlighting issues affecting female voters.
Her proactive approach to addressing violations has earned both praise and criticism from different quarters.
Recent Work and Advocacy
As of late 2025 and early 2026, Chakankar has been actively investigating cases of violence against women, including the death of a tribal girl at a government residential school in Thane district in December 2025.
She continues to advocate for systemic changes in how women’s complaints are handled by authorities.
What is Rupali Chakankar’s net worth and salary?
As of 2026, Rupali Chakankar’s net worth is estimated at ₹7 crore INR (approximately $840,000 USD). Her primary source of income comes from her political career and her position as chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission.
The chairperson position comes with a government-sanctioned salary and allowances. She also earns through her political activities within the NCP party.
Her husband, Nilesh Chakankar, is also involved in politics and business, which contributes to the family’s overall financial standing.
Chakankar has built her wealth through years of dedicated service in politics, starting from grassroots activism to her current leadership position.
Her financial disclosure reflects property holdings in Pune and investments typical of established political figures in Maharashtra.
Is Rupali Chakankar married? Husband, children, and family
Marriage and Husband
Rupali Chakankar is married to Nilesh Chakankar, who is also involved in political and business activities.
The couple has maintained a relatively private personal life despite Rupali’s high-profile political career. Nilesh has been supportive of his wife’s political ambitions and public service work.
Children
Rupali and Nilesh have one son, Soham Chakankar, who is pursuing a career in the Marathi film industry. Soham made his acting debut in 2022 with the Marathi film “Tu Ani Me, Me Ani Tu” opposite actress Shilpa Thakre.
He has since appeared in other projects, including the film “Virajan” released in 2023. Rupali has been supportive of her son’s choice to enter the entertainment industry rather than following a political path.
Parents and Family Background
Rupali was born to Babanrao Borate and Parvati Borate in Pune. She comes from a Maratha family with strong community ties.
Her father, Babanrao Borate, played a role in shaping her values and commitment to social service. Rupali credits her family background for instilling in her the importance of education and social responsibility.
The family maintains close ties to their roots in Pune, where they continue to reside. Rupali’s upbringing in a Marathi-speaking household has helped her connect with constituents across Maharashtra.
Social Media Presence
Rupali Chakankar maintains an active presence on social media platforms to connect with the public and address women’s issues.
As of February 2026, she has a following of over 609,000 on Instagram (@rupali_chakankar) and maintains an active Facebook page (@NcpRupaliChakankar).
She uses her social media platforms primarily for political updates, sharing information about her work with the Women’s Commission, and addressing public grievances.
Her posts often highlight cases she is investigating, policy announcements, and women’s empowerment initiatives. She also shares updates about NCP party activities and political statements.
Fast Facts about Rupali Chakankar
- Educational Achievement: Rupali holds an MBA degree from Savitribai Phule Pune University, making her one of the educated leaders in Maharashtra politics.
- Grassroots Experience: Before becoming a prominent political figure, she worked with 149 women’s saving groups (bachat gats), giving her direct experience with women’s economic issues.
- Film Connection: Her son Soham Chakankar is a Marathi film actor who debuted in 2022, making the family connected to both politics and entertainment.
- Reappointment: She was reappointed as Women’s Commission chairperson in October 2024, serving a three-year term that extends until 2027.
- NCP Faction: She is aligned with the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, which split from Sharad Pawar’s group, placing her in the ruling coalition of Maharashtra.
- Awards and Recognition: She has received the Gaurav Stree Shakti Award for women’s empowerment and the Pune Manpa Gaurav Award for community service.
- Controversial Cases: Her handling of high-profile cases like the Vaishnavi Hagawane dowry death case in 2025 brought both scrutiny and attention to her work.
- Multilingual: Being from Maharashtra, she is fluent in Marathi, Hindi, and English, allowing her to communicate effectively across different demographics.
- Political Rivalry: She has faced internal party conflicts, including a public dispute with fellow NCP leader Rupali Patil-Thombre over political positions in 2024-2025.
- Active Advocate: She regularly conducts hearings across Maharashtra districts, personally meeting women who file complaints with the commission.
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Wrapping Up
Rupali Chakankar has established herself as a significant voice in Maharashtra politics, particularly in matters concerning women’s welfare and empowerment.
From her early days working with women’s self-help groups to her current role as chairperson of the state Women’s Commission, she has consistently focused on grassroots issues.
Her educational background, combined with political acumen, has enabled her to navigate the complex landscape of Maharashtra politics while maintaining her focus on women’s rights.
As she continues her term as Women’s Commission chairperson until 2027, Chakankar remains a key figure in shaping policies that affect millions of women across Maharashtra.
References
- Wikipedia. “Rupali Chakankar”
- Maharashtra State Commission for Women. “Chairperson & Members”
- News18. “Soham Chakankar, Son Maharashtra Women’s Panel Chief Rupali Chakankar to Work in Films”
- The Hindu. “Death of tribal girl: Maharashtra Women’s Commission flags lapses at government-run residential school”
- Hindustan Times. “Maha Women’s Commission chairperson submits formal complaint to EC over serious irregularities in PMC elections”
- Indian Express. “Hagawane case: clamour grows for resignation of Rupali Chakankar”
- Mardomsara. “Rupali Chakankar: Empowering Women and Shaping Maharashtra”
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