Green Party leader Neela Vikhe Patil, who has deep connections with Maharashtra, has been elected to the Riksdag of Sweden’s Parliament from Stockholm. The political journey of Neela, who entered the 349-member Swedish Parliament, has been associated with both India and Sweden. Born in Sweden, Neela spent her early childhood years in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, after which she pursued a career in education and politics in Sweden.
Neela Vikhe Patil is the daughter of renowned educationist of Maharashtra Ashok Vikhe Patil and granddaughter of former Union Minister Balasaheb Vikhe Patil. She is also the niece of Maharashtra minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. Speaking to PTI after the elections, she remembered her grandfather and said, “I hope to make my grandfather proud. He taught me to read the state budget at the age of 15.”
What did you say about India?
Despite living and working in Sweden, Neela Vikhe Patil’s relationship with India is still strong. He said that India is very special for him and he has a close bond with the people here. She said, “I love India very much and feel very connected to it. I have many close Indian friends.”
Who is Neela Vikhe Patil?
Neela Vikhe Patil was born in 1985 in Lidköping city of Sweden. Although he was born in Sweden, he spent his early childhood years in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. It was here that he received his early education. His father Dr. Ashok Vikhe Patil is counted among the leading educationists of Maharashtra. He is associated with Vikhe Patil Foundation, which runs more than 100 educational institutions.
Neela’s family has been associated with Maharashtra’s politics, education and cooperative movement for a long time. His grandfather Balasaheb Vikhe Patil was a Union Minister in the government of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. His great grandfather Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil had established Asia’s first cooperative sugar factory.
How was Neela’s political journey?
Before reaching the Swedish Parliament, Neela Vikhe Patil had worked in important positions related to politics and administration. He worked as a political advisor in the Prime Minister’s Office during the tenure of former Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Löfven. This experience gave him the opportunity to closely understand Sweden’s politics and policy making process. After winning the elections from Stockholm and reaching the Riksdag, a new chapter in the political career of Neela Vikhe Patil has started.
How educated is Neela?
Neela graduated in Economics and Law from Gothenburg School of Business, Sweden. After this he obtained MBA degree from the same institute. He has also done MBA from University de Complutense, Madrid. He is also a Certified Public Accountant i.e. CPA since the year 2025.