Deputy Chief Whip of Gujarat Legislative Assembly recognised for public accessibility, grassroots engagement and developmental initiatives; 11 outstanding MLAs selected following an extensive four-month ground survey across all 182 Assembly constituencies of Gujarat
Gandhinagar, Gujarat | August 29, 2026
Hon’ble Shri Jagdishbhai Makwana Ji, MLA from Wadhwan Assembly Constituency and Deputy Chief Whip of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, was honoured with the prestigious Shining India Best MLA Award – 2026 at the 18th Shining India Best MLA Awards – Gujarat 2026, held at Town Hall, Sector-17, Gandhinagar.
Shri Jagdishbhai Makwana Ji, who was elected to the Gujarat Legislative Assembly from Wadhwan in 2022, was recognised for his commitment to public service, constituency development, accessibility to citizens and responsiveness towards grassroots concerns.
As a first-term MLA, his active engagement with the people of Wadhwan and Surendranagar, along with his efforts towards addressing public concerns and development-related issues, emerged as important aspects during the ground-level assessment.
Deputy Chief Whip in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly
Along with representing Wadhwan Assembly Constituency, Shri Jagdishbhai Makwana Ji serves as Deputy Chief Whip in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly.
The responsibility adds an important legislative dimension to his public role, alongside his work as an elected representative of the Wadhwan constituency.
His public journey reflects a combination of legislative responsibility, constituency engagement and grassroots public service.
Easily Accessible to the People
One of the important aspects highlighted during the ground survey was Shri Jagdishbhai Makwana Ji’s accessibility to ordinary citizens.
People from the constituency are able to approach him, communicate their concerns and seek assistance regarding issues affecting their day-to-day lives.
His approach of communicating with citizens in a simple and approachable manner and making efforts to understand their concerns has contributed to his direct connection with the people.
His accessibility and responsiveness towards citizens were among the significant factors considered during the assessment for the Shining India Best MLA Award – 2026.
Focus on Youth, Farmers, Rural Communities and Working People
Shri Jagdishbhai Makwana Ji’s public-service efforts have focused on different sections of society, including youth, farmers, rural communities and migrant workers.
As the representative of Wadhwan, he has worked towards raising constituency-related issues and addressing concerns connected with development and public welfare.
The assessment also took into consideration his engagement with local communities and efforts to ensure that concerns raised by ordinary citizens receive appropriate attention.
Active on the Ground During Heavy Rains and Waterlogging
An important aspect of Shri Jagdishbhai Makwana Ji’s public-service approach has been his response during difficult situations, particularly during heavy rainfall, waterlogging and flood-like conditions.
During such circumstances, his approach has been to move quickly into action and remain engaged at the ground level to understand the situation and support efforts aimed at providing relief to affected citizens.
For an elected representative, being present and accessible during challenging circumstances is an important element of public responsibility.
His ground-level engagement during such situations was among the aspects noted during the assessment.
Commitment to Wadhwan and Surendranagar’s Development
Development of the Wadhwan Assembly Constituency has remained an important part of Shri Jagdishbhai Makwana Ji’s public responsibilities.
His focus has included issues related to basic infrastructure, public facilities, rural communities, farmers, youth and the welfare of working people.
His approach combines development-oriented representation with direct public engagement, with an emphasis on understanding local concerns and taking them to the appropriate administrative level for resolution.
Honoured in the Presence of Distinguished Dignitaries
The Shining India Best MLA Award – 2026 was presented at the prestigious ceremony held in Gandhinagar in the distinguished presence of senior dignitaries.
Hon’ble Prof. Jagdish Mukhi Ji, Former Governor of Assam, graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest.
The event also witnessed the distinguished presence of Hon’ble Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama Ji, Former Cabinet Minister, Government of Gujarat; Hon’ble Shri Purneshbhai Modi Ji, Deputy Speaker of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly; Hon’ble Shri Kantilal Amrutiya Ji, Minister of State, Government of Gujarat; and Hon’ble Shri Sanjaysinh Mahida Ji, Minister of State, Government of Gujarat, along with legislators, former ministers, senior public representatives and prominent personalities from different fields.
Their gracious presence added further dignity and significance to the award ceremony.
Four-Month Ground Survey Across All 182 Assembly Constituencies
The selection for the Shining India Best MLA Awards – Gujarat 2026 followed an extensive ground-level assessment undertaken by Shining India News & Shining India Survey across all 182 Assembly constituencies of Gujarat over approximately four months.
The evaluation process incorporated direct public opinion, grassroots research and predefined assessment parameters.
Key areas of assessment included accessibility and availability to citizens, responsiveness towards public concerns, resolution of local issues, constituency development, education, healthcare, drinking water, roads and infrastructure, agriculture and irrigation, rural development, sanitation, social welfare, women and child welfare and direct engagement with constituents.
Following the extensive ground survey and public-feedback process, 55 MLAs with notable reports were initially identified for detailed assessment, from which 11 legislators were finally selected for the Shining India Best MLA Award – 2026.
11 MLAs Honoured with Shining India Best MLA Award – 2026
The following legislators were honoured at the 18th Shining India Best MLA Awards – Gujarat 2026:
- Hon’ble Shri Purneshbhai Modi Ji — Surat West Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Kantilal Amrutiya Ji — Morbi Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Janakbhai Talaviya Ji — Lathi Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Jagdishbhai Makwana Ji — Wadhwan Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Sanjaysinh Mahida Ji — Mahudha Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Bhagwanjibhai Kargatiya Ji — Mangrol Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Chaitanyasinh Pratapsinh Zala Ji — Padra Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Bhagabhai Barad Ji — Talala Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Jignesh Mevani Ji — Vadgam (SC) Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Nareshbhai Patel Ji — Gandevi (ST) Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Kaushikbhai Vekariya Ji — Amreli Assembly Constituency
“His Accessibility and Ground-Level Response Reflect Responsible Public Representation” — Hrithik Saini
Hrithik Saini, Editor-in-Chief of Shining India News & Shining India Survey, said that Shri Jagdishbhai Makwana Ji’s accessibility and engagement with citizens emerged as important aspects during the ground assessment.
He said:
“Hon’ble Shri Jagdishbhai Makwana Ji, despite being a first-term MLA, has demonstrated a strong commitment towards his constituency and the people he represents.
One of the important qualities highlighted during our ground assessment was his accessibility. Ordinary citizens are able to approach him, communicate their problems and seek assistance. His simple manner of interacting with people and his ability to understand their concerns have strengthened his grassroots connection.
His commitment towards youth, farmers, rural communities and working people, along with his efforts towards the development of Wadhwan and Surendranagar, has been noteworthy.
Another important aspect is his ground-level response during difficult situations. During periods of heavy rainfall, waterlogging or flood-like conditions, he has demonstrated an action-oriented approach by remaining engaged on the ground and responding to the concerns of affected citizens.
His role as Deputy Chief Whip of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, combined with his grassroots public engagement, adds another dimension to his public responsibilities.
It is our privilege to recognise his public-service and developmental efforts by honouring Hon’ble Shri Jagdishbhai Makwana Ji with the Shining India Best MLA Award – 2026.”
Public Service, Development and Public Opinion at the Core of Selection
The Shining India Best MLA Awards are an independent, survey-based initiative aimed at recognising notable grassroots performance and positive public service.
The selection process does not seek to recognise legislators on the basis of political party or ideology. Instead, the assessment focuses on public service, development, accessibility, accountability, responsiveness, grassroots performance and direct public feedback.
The selection of 11 legislators from different regions and constituencies of Gujarat reflects the broader objective of recognising constructive and effective public service across the state.
25 Years of Experience in Media, Research and Public Opinion
Shining India News & Shining India Survey have been active for the past 25 years in the fields of media, research, public opinion and surveys.
Over the years, the organisations have undertaken grassroots studies, public-opinion exercises, research and surveys on a range of social, political and public-interest issues, with an emphasis on understanding citizens’ perspectives and ground realities.
Drawing upon this experience, the Shining India Best MLA Awards have evolved as an independent, research and survey-based initiative aimed at recognising notable public service, accountability and grassroots performance.
The Gandhinagar ceremony marked the 18th Shining India Best MLA Awards, continuing a series of 17 previous award ceremonies held across different states of India.
Earlier editions of the Shining India Best MLA Awards were also organised in Gujarat in 2012 and 2017.
OFFICIAL AWARD – 2026
SHINING INDIA BEST MLA AWARD – 2026
Hon’ble Shri Jagdishbhai Makwana Ji
Deputy Chief Whip, Gujarat Legislative Assembly
MLA — Wadhwan Assembly Constituency, Gujarat
In Recognition of Outstanding Public Service & Development Initiatives
Presented at:
18th Shining India Best MLA Awards – Gujarat 2026
August 29, 2026 | Town Hall, Sector-17, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Organised by:
Shining India News & Shining India Survey
— Shining India News Bureau
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