Taking its confrontation with former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan to the next level, the NCP has withdrawn its candidate Rajendra Yadhav from Karad (South) constituency and decided to support seven-time legislator and Congress rebel Vilaskaka Undalkar Patil.
Why should Chavan worry?
Patil, popularly known as Kaka, has a huge following in Karad. Talking to dna over phone, the 76-year-old leader said, "I am getting overwhelming response from people, irrespective of caste and religion. I never made money from politics, I have only worked for the welfare of the people of Karad." Chavan will also have to face BJP nominee Dr Atul Bhosale, another Congress rebel, and Shiv Sena candidate Ajinkya Patil, who is the son of Bihar governor and senior Congress leader DY Patil.
Will Chavan lose Congress base?
Most likely. With Kaka filing his nomination as an independent candidate, his supporters, who were originally Congress workers, have switched side. "We are no longer with the Congress because our real Congressman is Kaka. Chavan tried to finish the Kaka's political career by implicating his son in a case. He also denied a ticket to Kaka just to safeguard his interests. But now Karad is not a safe seat for Chavan," said a supporter.
What's Chavan's poll experience?
The 68-year-old former CM is contesting the assembly polls for the first time. He had to face a humiliating defeat in 1999 Lok Sabha elections at the hands of NCP candidate Sriniwas Patil. "This poll is a make or break fight for Chavan. If he loses the election, he will have to pack his baggage and go back to Delhi again. And, we want do just that," said a Kaka supporter.
Who's behind the NCP move?
Sources in the NCP said that it was a well-orchestrated move by party president Sharad Pawar. "Pawarsaheb was closely monitoring the situation. It was he who took the decision to withdraw our candidate. Chavan had tried every trick in the book to malign NCP leaders and now it is our turn to give him a fitting reply," said senior NCP leader.
What experts say on the development?
Political observers have termed the development as a smart move by the NCP. "By withdrawing its candidate, NCP has created more trouble for Chavan. Now, Chavan has to put extra efforts to win. He has to remain in Karad, which means he will not able to campaign for other Congress candidates. The NCP has killed two birds with one stone," said political observer.
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