‘Third front’ fields 121 candidates: Mainstream parties ignored interests of farmers, agri sector

“We are a third front aligned neither with the Mahayuti nor Maha Vikas Aghadi. We have fielded candidates from 121 seats out of the 288,” Sambhaji Chhatrapati, the former BJP Rajya Sabha MP, told mediapersons on Monday.

Expressing his disappointment with the state of politics in Maharashtra, Sambhaji Chhatrapati said, “For the last seven decades we have been discussing only basic issues. There is no long term vision for the development of Maharashtra. In comparison, neighbouring states like Karnataka and Telangana have moved ahead of us.”

Commenting on Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s decision to not field candidates in polls, he said, “It must be in the larger interest of the Maratha community.”

Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana chief Raju Shetti said they have taken a “neutral stand” by not aligning with the two key alliances.

“Our objective is to field good candidates. The decision to form Parivartan Mahashakti was necessitated because mainstream political parties have ignored the interest of farmers and the agriculture sector.”

According to Prahar Janshakti party leader Bacchu Kadu, the newly formed front has candidates connected to grassroots. “Our front is receiving good response as it is focused on important issues which affect the common man. Our politics is above caste, community and religion,” he added.