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This is an archive article published on May 10, 2024
My opponent is using his oratory skills to mislead voters: Adhalrao Patil
In an interview with Partha Sarathi Biswas, Patil says he is confident of his win as the incumbent MP, Amol Kolhe has not done much for the constituency
"The present MP has been mostly absent from the Shirur constituency for the last five years. People will not vote for him this time," said Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil. (File/ Photo by Sandeep Daundkar)Shivajirao Adalrao Patil, NCP candidate from Shirur says that development is the plank based on which he plans to get elected to the seat which he has represented three times previously. In an interview with Partha Sarathi Biswas, Patil says he is confident of his win as the incumbent MP, Amol Kolhe has not done much for the constituency.
What are your main planks which you are putting in front of the voters this time?
Development is my main canvas, based on which I am seeking votes. During my three previous tenures as MP, I had worked hard to ensure major projects, like the Pune Nashik Railway gets funded and implemented. My opponent in the last five years has not done anything to speed up the project. The project is now stuck and I have promised to get that implemented and completed in time. The cost of the project has obviously escalated due to the delay and for getting the green light the MP has to be from the NDA. The traffic issues at Chakan Highway, which cost me my election also have to be solved and thus I am telling the voters to elect me.
How confident are you of victory this time? You faced a lot of opposition from the Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge last time around. Are you confident that all the chinks have been ironed out?
On the contrary, Bhosari had given me a substantial lead during the last election. Yes, there were differences in the initial days but all have been ironed out. NDA is facing the elections as a combined front under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I am very confident of my victory. Also, the present MP has been mostly absent from the constituency for the last five years. People will not vote for him this time.
How has your decision to shift to NCP (Ajit Pawar) been received by your voters? Will it affect your prospects?
During his speech recently, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has clarified that my decision to fight the election on NCP’s symbol was a decision taken by all three party leaders. Eknath Shinde, the chief minister and my party leader had asked me to fight the elections on NCP’s symbol. Voters have accepted this. After all the three parties are in alliance so there would not be any effect.
Amol Kolhe has been claiming conflict of interest in the questions you had asked as an MP. He has alleged that the questions you asked were related to your company which is in the defence sector? How do you respond to that?
The allegations are completely false and baseless. I had asked 63 questions which were in regards to Goa shipyard and other issues to the defence sector. Yes my company is involved in defence manufacturing but that has nothing to do with the questions I had asked. These questions were asked in a pool of questions and some questions also had Supriya Sule also as a co-questioner. My opponent is using his oratory skills to mislead the voters – there is no substance to these allegations.
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