CPM's Karad files nomination papers

NASHIK: CPM nominee D L Karad filed his nomination papers from the Nashik-West constituency on Saturday, the first day to file nomisnations for the assembly polls. Thousands of workers, farmers and CPM activists accompanied Karad in a rally up to the district collectorate.
"I have worked for thousands of people in Nashik during the past 25 years. Give me the opportunity to work for the 12 crore people of the state," Karad asked citizens.His name was proposed by Seetaram Jadhav and seconded by Sanjay Jadhav.
The rally started from the Swami Vivekanand grounds at Ranenagar and traversed through Vijaynagar, Uttamnagar, Pawannagar, before concluding at Trimurty Chowk. Karad also addressed residents of Cidco area, reminding them of the work done by his party, such as cancelling the Cidco administration's demand for amounts ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 2 lakh to transfer houses in the names of residents.
"CPM is afraid of absolutely no one because it works for the workers, farmers, domestic workers, farm labourers. There is a lot that can be done not only for Nashik but for the entire state. My one vote would, however, not help. I want your votes to work from the state level for the 12 crore people of Maharashtra," said Karad.
In the last assembly polls, Karad, who is the general secretary of CITU, came fourth from the same constituency. He had secured 12.47% of the votes cast.
On Saturday, Karad attacked the BJP and Shiv Sena for not doing a single piece of good work during their 10-year rule in the Nashik Municipal Corporation. Neither had the MNS done anything during its last one-and-a-half-year stint in the corporation, he said.
"The conditions of the roads and bridges are to see for all. The authorities spent Rs 200 crore to build residences for slum-dwellers. Until now, not a single house has been allocated to anyone. There are issues of law and order, but no one is interested in serving society," he said.
"Everyone is power hungry here and no one is eager to serve the people. Leaders change parties not for the people but to serve their own interests. The recent developments at the NMC's mayoral election showed the extent to which the people's representatives could go. Leaders of Congress-NCP and MNS, who used to ridicule one another joined hands for the mayor's election. The BJP, Shiv Sena, MNS who say that they work for the Marathi people are in fact working for themselves. BJP-Shiv Sena recent fight was not for the cause of Marathi people, but for who would be the CM of the state if elected," said Karad.
He said the CPM has been working to provide "justice to the people". "We want all contractual workers to be made permanent. We want a pension scheme of Rs 6,500 for everyone above 60 years of age. Everyone should have medical cover of Rs 1 lakh," Karad said.