Friend-turned-foe dares Pawar

In the last election, the BJP tried to wean away disgruntled elements in the Congress who were disappointed with Pawar for various reasons. However, the formula did not work.

For the last three times, the BJP propped up a leader from Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pratibha Lokhande, to fight against Pawar. However, she also failed. So, this time, BJP poll manager Gopinath Munde zeroed in on Jachak. The Jachaks too are considered to be influential in the Baramati belt. Traditionally, they have stood by the Pawars. But things have changed – and thereby hangs a bitter tale.

Prithviraj’s father Sahebrao set up the Someshwar Sugar Mill along with Sharad Pawar’s elder brother Appasaheb Pawar. The two were instrumental in bringing prosperity to this area, thanks to the sugar mill. Prithviraj also remained loyal to Pawarsaheb. With his blessings, Prithviraj became chief of the all-powerful Maharashtra State Cooperative Sugar Factories Federation. Pawar assured Jachak he would be made chairman of Someshwar Sugar Factory but went on to nominate someone else. Upset, Jachak decided to part ways with the NCP leader and joined the BJP.

Unlike Pawarsaheb, Jachak has begun campaigning – and is punching his dare-Pawar contest with adequate rhetoric. “I hope to win. Remember, even the great Indira Gandhi lost an election.”

Ask him why he joined the BJP, and Jachak says he wanted to join the mainstream. He will ride Vajpayee’s India Shining plank to garner votes.

BJP state general secretary Vinod Tawde says like Jachak there are many others in the Congress and NCP who are uneasy with the political situation.