From Gandhi’s Wardha, Pawar gives call against ‘undeclared emergency’

Pawar, in his speech, said that if the attack on the Constitution of the country is to be countered and people have to be rescued, then it is important to stay united by keeping aside all the problems and defeat the BJP.

“The power is being misused and Opposition is being suppressed… CMs of Jharkhand and Delhi are being arrested. In West Bengal, CM Mamata Banerjee is being troubled. The bank accounts of Congress are frozen. This was never the case in the country. Therefore, the ideology which created such a situation, which harmed the democracy, attacked the Constitution given by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar needs to be defeated and secure the future of people,” he said.

Wardha will go to polls in the second phase on April 26.

Kale, a former Congress MLA, joined Pawar’s party last week after the seat was given to NCP(SP) in the seat sharing discussions of three parties of the MVA.

This will be for the first time since Independence when Wardha will not have a Congress candidate.

Kale will take on Ramdas Tadas of the BJP who is a two-time MP and contesting to register a hat-trick.
Tadas, who hails from the influential Teli community, said that irrespective of Pawar coming to Wardha and his show of strength, he will register a record-breaking victory for the third time.

“Sharad Pawar will not be given support by the people of Vidarbha. His party does not have strength and will not win in Wardha,” he said

Wardha Lok Sabha seat is spread into six assembly segments — Morshi and Dhamangaon Railway in Amravati district; Arvi, Deoli, Hinganghat and Wardha in Wardha district.

Out of the six, four MLAs are of the BJP while Morshi’s independent MLA has supported the ruling NCP led by Ajit Pawar. Congress has only one MLA.

Kale represented Arvi twice in 2004 and then in 2014. Prior to 2004, his father late Sharad Kale was the MLA for four consecutive times and was known as one of the close associates of Sharad Pawar.

According to political observers, since 2014, the Teli community has been supporting the BJP overpowering the Kunbi numbers. Lack of a strong Kunbi and local candidate helped Tadas win in 2019. The opposition hopes to win back the Kunbi as well as Teli voters projecting a young and fresh face in the form of Kale whose family has maintained a good reputation throughout the region. In addition, opposition banks on Dalit and tribal votes.

“This fight is between the money power and people’s power. We don’t have money, but we have people. Yes, these are hard times. But I am sure that the people will stand with me. In a battle against dictatorship, I stand to protect democracy,” said Kale. “Those whom he made ministers, gave power, left him (Sharad Pawar). But he continues to fight for us, for the country. It is our duty to support him,” he added.