Jayant Patil interview: ‘Shinde, Fadnavis tried to handle Maratha, OBC respectively, but it has boomeranged’

Is Maharashtra witnessing particularly strong anti-incumbency?

Inflation, unemployment, wrongful implementation of GST and a fear of BJP trying to change the Constitution are key factors. But in Maharashtra, the orchestrated split in two parties —Shiv Sena and NCP — has sent an extremely wrong message. Modiji accused Ajit Pawar of corruption in his speech in Bhopal and two days later, joined hands with him. Before 2014, these people termed Congress as a corrupt party. Now, nobody can accuse Congress as a corrupt party, because such people are either in that party (BJP) or in alliance.

How can you sense people’s support for you when BJP has such a huge alliance on its side?

The BJP and its allies have distributed huge amounts of money, for the first time in the Lok Sabha polls. We have given the evidence of it as well to the Election Commission. The problem is that the EC is not taking action on it. Police, revenue and all government machineries are extremely biased. Our workers are being targeted. Goons are being protected. The government machinery is completely compromised. On paper, MLAs and MP are with them and the ruling side is strong. But we can see the people wanting a change.

Why is it that Sharad Pawar is the main target of Narendra Modi?

Narendra Modiji is holding a rally every other day in Maharashtra. He is speaking ill against Marathi leaders. This is because he has not guarantee of winning Maharashtra. But one day he calls him a wandering soul, the next day he offers him an alliance. The invitation is an acceptance that our candidates are winning. It also means that his allies are not winning. His actions show that the BJP in Maharashtra is disoriented.

Will your party merge with the Congress?

There is no question of our party merging with the Congress. We have an independent identity, thanks to Sharad Pawarji. Our leaders may have quit, the people stand with us.

How do you respond when your party is accused of playing caste politics?

Sharad Pawar has always given a preference to the people from the OBC, Dalit and minority communities. The accusation holds no ground. But it is true that in this election, the Maratha community is consolidating against the BJP. Even sections within OBCs are going against this government. Shinde (Eknath) and Fadnavis (Devendra) tried to handle each section respectively, but it has boomeranged. And to add, the use of money, agencies as well as threats to make leaders and MLAs of other parties to change their loyalties has impacted the image of this government.

Will Maharashtra’s politics change after Lok Sabha elections?

We believe that we will win 30-35 seats in Maharashtra. It will impact the Maharashtra government… I wouldn’t say the government will fall, but it will increase the unease and the number of people coming to us. Because for many, Assembly elections matter more than Lok Sabha. Many of our colleagues who have gone there are of double mind. They are waiting for the Lok Sabha results. Things will start unfolding after June 4.

Has Uddhav Thackeray become the main leader of opposition MVA?

The NCP, the Congress and Uddhavji’s Shiv Sena are campaigning against the ruling side across the state. One has to acknowledge that Uddhavji has a bigger acceptance. His rallies are creating a different impact on the minds of people. He is getting a bigger response for sure.

Your home turf Sangli saw the rebellion in MVA. What went wrong?

Our party had never asked for this seat. It was between the Sena and the Congress. Since Kolhapur went to Congress and during discussions, Raju Shetti was discussed as an opposition front’s candidate, Sena (UBT) asked for Sangli. Had there been no rebellion, it would have been good. But despite this, reports are that people have voted against the BJP.