Rebellion from the son of CPM's lone sitting MLA in Dahanu has left the party in a tight spot ahead of the assembly polls. Sudhir Ozare, son of Rajaram Ozare, MLA from the tribal seat has rebelled against CPM nominee Barkya Mangat and is contesting as an independent candidate. Sudhir’s rebellion has not been taken lightly by the CPM, which has rescinded his father’s party membership. Marriam Dhawale, senior party leader said the party had to expel the sitting MLA for his son’s rebellion. “Unlike other parties, ours is not a personality-based party. Our cadres are connected with the people at the grassroots. We will win comfortably,” she said. Dhawale said Sudhir was never a CPM member so there was no question of giving him a ticket. Sudhir, who left his job as a teacher to fight the polls, said, “I have never been in politics but people asked me to fight the polls. Fighting elections as an independent candidate is not easy, but with their help I am trying,” he said. He said CPM’s decision to expel his father reflected wrong policies of the party. “The party has lost its relevance and it is time they understand that," he said. Mangat, on his part, said the Ozares’ effect will only be felt in and around their village. “He is trying to lure people with alcohol and gifts. Our main support base will not be swayed and I am sure of winning with a comfortable margin,” he said. Mangat and Dhawale's confidence stems from the fact that the CPM since its inception has been strong in the tribal belt of Thane. The party had won the erstwhile Vikramgad seat in 2004 before delimitation. Party insiders feel that Sudhir would manage to draw 10-15,000 votes on his own. "In a five cornered election, every vote counts and we hope we will be able to retain the seat," said a senior party leader.
