Sangli poll scene turns hectic

The effects decision of Sharad Pawar to form a separate political party were strongly felt in this district which has been a Congress citadel for many years. Many influential leaders from the district have come under the umbrella of Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). However MPCC president Shivajirao Deshmukh, MPCC vice-president Dr. Patangrao Kadam and former MP Prakash Bapu Patil have remained with the parent organisation.

The leaders who joined Pawar’s NCP include Vishnu Anna Patil, R. R. Patil and Jayant Patil, MLAs and Madan Patil, former MP. Besides Janata Dal’s MLA Vyankappa Patki, Sharad Pawar and Sharad Patil are also eagre to join a front led by Pawar. A district faction of the Republican Party of India, led by former MP Ramdas Athawale, is also inclined to join hands with Pawar’s party.

Congress is likely to field Prakash Bapu Patil, son of Congress veteran Vasant Dada Patil, for the Lok Sabha seat while his nephew, Madan Patil, is likely to the NCP candidate. As the electoral battle will be fought between two members of the same family, voters will have to decide who is the right person to don the mantle of Vasant Dada Patil. The support of the group owing allegiance to Pawar is the main strong point of Madan Patil while Prakash Bapu Patil’s camp will pin its hopes on loyalty with Congress party, leadership of Sonia Gandhi and goodwill associated with the name of Vasant Dada Patil.

Even if the Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party decides to field once again its minister Anna Dange for the seat, the alliance candidate is likely to insignificant in the race here.