OBC heavyweight Chhagan Bhujbal has been making headlines by disowning the infamous “Batenge toh Katenge” poll pitch of BJP during the Maharashtra Polls assembly elections. He said that his campaign was absolutely all about development, and there is only one purpose at its core: the region’s need and integration between communities.
Maharashtra Polls Bhujbal’s Development Agenda in Yevla
Bhujbal, who is looking for a fifth consecutive term from the Yevla constituency, is confident that his extensive development work will resonance with the electorate. He referred to spectacular schemes such as water diversion from Manjarpada that carried water from 160 km away to the parched region through a 12-km tunnel. It has helped irrigate local fields, improving their facilities and thus enhancing agricultural productivity for the local farmers.
“Vikas is my caste, religion, and party. I talk only about development,” Bhujbal declared, discounting divisive slogans and focusing on progress as his primary campaign agenda. He cited past electoral successes, like this one, where he led by a vote margin of 60,000 last time, which he feels will increase this time.
Political Dynamics and Rivalries
Bhujbal’s main rival, Manikrao Shinde, happens to belong to Sharad Pawar’s faction of the NCP. In the split that occurred in NCP last year. It was seen that Ajit Pawar and Bhujbal had allied with the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance to form the Mahayuti alliance. Bhujbal has defended his decision but cautioned that Sharad Pawar. Too, had done similar things earlier by breaking parties and forging new ones.
Political critics are quick to point fingers that Bhujbal did not exactly make a commitment of sorts to Ajit Pawar. Bhujbal, however, draws no reason to recall. He snubbed allegations of betrayal, saying, “Sharad Pawar himself has a history of breaking political alliances and parties. Let’s focus on the present and the future, not on past grievances.”
Maharashtra Polls: Unity Amid Diversity
Emphasizing inclusiveness, Bhujbal said he was committed to justice for Hindus, Muslims, Dalits, Adivasis, and Marathas. He argued that divisive politics has no place in the growth story of Maharashtra and declared his agenda to be free from discrimination.
“Development is our only focus, and it benefits everybody without consideration of caste or creed,” he said. Bhujbal also downplayed the disruption by Maratha activists at his public meets. Saying he was pretty sure of his connection with the constituency being deep-rooted.
Bhujbal’s Swansong: From Byculla to Yevla
Bhujbal’s political career is characterized by much fortitude and change. He starts his political life as a vegetable vendor in the Byculla market in Mumbai, and afterward began his political career with Balasaheb Thackeray, after which he joined the Congress and became one of the important leaders of the NCP.
He had to shift his electoral base from Palghar to Yevla, a relatively undeveloped region, in 2004 and began working on projects that would improve the region. Over time, these efforts have transformed Yevla into a more prosperous region than it was, keeping him politically relevant.
Maharashtra Polls: Future Perspective
As polling approaches on November 20, Bhujbal’s strategy focuses on leveraging his development track record while steering clear of controversial rhetoric. His message is clear: Maharashtra’s future hinges on unity and progress, not division. With votes set to be counted on November 23, Bhujbal remains optimistic about securing a larger victory margin and continuing his mission of regional development.
FAQs
1. What is Chhagan Bhujbal’s main campaign Maharashtra Polls focus?
Bhujbal campaigns on development works, such as the Manjarpada water diversion scheme. Which has vastly boosted irrigation and agriculture in the Yevla region.
2. Why is Bhujbal shying away from the “Batenge toh Katenge” slogan?
Bhujbal claimed that slogans like those segregate people. Bhujbal said that he was campaigning for a merger and development basis only where people will get justice sans their castes or communities.
3. What has Bhujbal done to counter criticism of his alienation from Ajit Pawar?
Bhujbal justified the move by noting Sharad Pawar’s record of taking similar political strategies.
4. What are the achievements Bhujbal is counting on for re-election?
The three important ones are – the Manjarpada water project, infrastructural upgradation, and enhanced agricultural productivity.
5. Bhujbal counts on what to win the Yevla seat again.
Bhujbal is confident that he will win this time with a more significant margin of victory. Since he has maintained ties with the constituency and through successful development exercises.
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