Maharashtra Assembly polls: RR Patil’s daughter enters field to keep his legacy alive in Tasgaon through son

R R Patil, whom they fondly refer to as Abba, came from a humble family. He had left the Congress along with Sharad Pawar to form the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). “Our father never involved any of our family members in politics so we were completely lost after his demise when it came to continuing his legacy. I was too young and did not qualify to contest the election so my mother Suman Patil entered the fray and got elected,” she adds.

Smita says her father was popular across the state for his simplicity and political work. “Abba brought in positive changes in the lives of countless citizens who still tell us their stories. The people of Tasgaon-Kavathe Mahankal constituency have always expressed their love and care towards Abba’s family so we have to continue that legacy. Citizens come to us with a lot of hope,” Smita explains, even as she attends to the needs of her four-year-old son Rajvardhan from the office of her brother, who had stepped out for campaigning.

The little boy, meanwhile, tells those around him that his uncle’s poll symbol is ‘tutari vajavnara manus (man blowing the turha), representing the NCP-SP.

“My brother is contesting his maiden Assembly election in Tasgaon-Kavathe Mahankal as my mother has handed over the reins of the constituency to him,” Smita says.

“I carry my son wherever I go for campaigning. I start my day at 8 in the morning visiting villages, holding meetings and interacting with citizens and requesting them to stand by Rohit. Whenever I am not in the field, I come to the office and handle visitors. It is only in the evening that I go home.”

A delegation of women arrives at the office and Smita promptly takes charge, listening to them and assuring to resolve their issues. “You have known my father with whom you had a good connect. Your children are of our age. Treat me and my brother as your children. I promise that my brother, who was already working for the people of the constituency, will continue to resolve your issues. We might not fit into the shoes of my father but we are his children and are committed to your welfare,” she promises the women even as they share memories of their late leader R R Patil.

Smita says that the main challenge they face is from veteran leader Sanjaykaka Patil of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). “My father and Sanjaykaka locked horns in politics but now my brother is contesting against the same opponent. There is a generation gap but the love towards my father plays a major role in our campaign. Everyone associates Tasgaon with Abba and whenever we go for campaigning they identify with the family of Abba. His political presence is still there even after nine years of his demise,” she says, adding that they are seeking votes on the development and welfare work done by her father which has been carried forward by her mother and now brother.

“Rohit has already managed to get MIDC approved in the area so that employment opportunities will be created in the constituency for youths. The ring road of Tasgaon was also pushed forward by him,” Smita points out.

On her chances of getting active in electoral politics as she is the elder sibling, Smita says, “I was active initially after father’s demise and headed the youth wing of the state NCP. I was asked to contest elections but could not qualify due to my age. Later, I married and got busy with my family and kid.”

“I am somewhat involved in the family business but mainly handle my child and family now. I do feel restless over not being able to be as social as I used to be when in politics. I will get back in politics at the right time,” she underlines.

On the Ladki Bahin scheme’s impact in the upcoming elections as Maharashtra prepares to vote on November 20, Smita says the ruling alliance launched the scheme ahead of the polls only with an eye on votes. “We are telling women that in reality inflation is high and adversaries are taking back the money through other means,” she adds.