After win against Thorat, Amol Khatal says will put end to ‘reign of terror’ in Sangamner

“Sangamner had remained in the grip of people who have unleashed terror…This has happened for years. Now that I have been elected, I will ensure that people are freed from the regime of slavery and are able to breathe freely. I will effectively put an end to the reign of terror,” Khatal told The Indian Express.

Khatal, who was with BJP, was fielded by Shiv Sena from Sangamner after the seat went to the party led by Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde in the Mahayuti seat -sharing arrangement.

Khatal alleged that Thorat, his close associates and his party leaders have been indulging in activities which were against the interest of Sangamner and its people. “Several of Thorat’s associates are indulging in illegal activities. They have created terror in Sangamner and have always remained scot-free. I will ensure that they are put in their right place. I will work relentlessly for the people of Sangamner and help them live with pride and dignity,” said the 41-year-old leader, who is the son of a farmer and used to run a cyber cafe in Sangamner.

The victory of Khatal triggered celebrations not only in Sangamner but also in the neigbhouring Shirdi seat where BJP candidate Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil won for the eighth consecutive time.

Khatal is close to the Vikhe-Patil family in Ahiliyanagar. Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil’s son Sujay Vikhe-Patil had lost the Ahilyanagar (earlier Ahmednagar) seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Sujay Vikhe-Patil camp alleged that Thorat had a big role to play in his defeat and had vowed to hit back during the Assembly election.

Sujay had led Khatal’s campaigning from the front holding as many as six rallies.

“I want to thank the entire Vikhe-Patil family. They campaigned relentlessly for me…The rallies held by Sujay helped me a great deal,” Khatal said.

Asked whether he has taken revenge for the defeat of Sujay Vikhe-Patil in the Lok Sabha election, Khatal said,”No I have not avenged the defeat of Sujay. The people of Sangamner have done that…”

Khatal alleged that Thorat was the MLA and minister for over 40 years but miserably failed to address the key issues affecting the people of Sangamner.

“When I toured the villages and hamlets, I realised the people here are suffering from numerous problems… Be it the acute shortage of water, health facilities, roads, the people are fighting on all fronts. I am the son of a farmer and know the pain that they are suffering. I will put in might to resolve the grievances of the people of Sangamner,” he said.

Asked about the claim by Thorat camp that Sangamner city does not face water problem, Khatal said, “Entire Sangamner is battling with acute shortage of water. Thorat never worked for development of Sangamner. He worked only in his interest and for the benefit of his close ones.”

Meanwhile, at the Thorat camp, his nephew Satyajeet Tambe said, “Thorat’s defeat has come a big shock for us. We are still analysing what went wrong.”

Sources close to Thorat said he is unlikely to contest elections in future. ”Even in this election, he wanted to field his daughter, but had a change of mind. He might not contest elections in future,” a Congress leader said.