This is an archive article published on November 1, 2024
Ajit Pawar was blackmailed for 10 years (over irrigation ‘scam’) … shows why he wanted to go to BJP: Jayant Patil
“There is no discussion of friendly fights … We will take care of it. MVA’s momentum will not be damaged,” Patil, the state president of Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP), tells The Indian Express.
The Maharashtra elections on November 20 are a critical test for the Nationalist Congress Party (SP), which is looking to avenge the split in the party last year. In an interview, NCP (SP) Maharashtra chief Jayant Patil addresses the speculation of disagreement within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) during seat-sharing talks, the Maratha agitation, and the recent statements of Ajit Pawar on an alleged irrigation scam. Excerpts:
Will disagreements over seat-sharing damage the MVA?
During seat-sharing negotiations, each party put forward its point of view. We chose the best among those suggestions. In this process, there was some push by some people on five to six seats. But all that has been resolved. There is no discussion of friendly fights as well. We will take care of it. MVA’s momentum will not be damaged.
You travelled across Maharashtra in the last two months. What are the real issues in this election?
Despite the split in our party, we received a tremendous response because we are Sharad Pawar’s party. People are angry over inflation, agrarian issues, and policies on farming … There is unemployment and there are increasing atrocities against women.
To add to this, (NCP chief and Deputy CM) Ajit Pawar’s despicable statement on late (former NCP minister) R R Patil has created more anger among the voters (Ajit Pawar was targeted by the BJP for being part of the alleged Rs 70,000 crore irrigation scam. Addressing a rally at Sangli district’s Tasgaon Assembly seat, from where late R R Patil’s son Rohit is making is electoral debut on an NCP-SP ticket against the NCP’s Sanjaykaka Patil, Pawar said after the BJP won in the 2014 Assembly elections, Devendra Fadnavis, who took over as CM, showed him a file signed by R R Patil that recommended the open inquiry against him in the case. “I was very upset … This is because R R Patil was a close colleague who resorted to backstabbing,” Ajit said).
Who has been cornered because of the statement on the irrigation scam and R R Patil?
I think he himself is cornered because of it. But he has put (Deputy CM) Devendra Fadnavis in more trouble. It exposed the operating style of Fadnavis as well as the relationship of the two in the past ten years.
Had he (Fadnavis) shown the file to the Leader of the Opposition, I would have understood. But he (Ajit Pawar) was merely an Opposition MLA. You (Fadnavis) made an allegation against Ajit Pawar while in Opposition, probed him after coming to power, and showed him the file accusing R R Patil. It means that efforts have been ongoing to fuel the infighting in our party (undivided NCP) since then. Secondly, by showing him the file, Ajit Pawar was blackmailed for 10 years. It shows why again and again he wanted to go to the BJP.
R R Patil’s name got dragged into a poll battle nine years after his death …
It was extremely unfortunate. We all worked together for many years. We do not speak ill about Ajit dada because we have worked together. Talking against a person who cannot defend himself now is terribly wrong.
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What are your promises if you win?
Our manifesto will be released soon. But we are planning to create a price stabilisation fund to help farmers if prices fall. We will also offer a double bonanza to the people of Maharashtra. That includes steps to help farmers, curb inflation, and welfare schemes for women.
Will the Maratha agitation and anger among OBCs impact the MVA’s electoral prospects?
We want to take Maharashtra forward by taking everyone with us. We are against any split between Marathas and OBCs and think that everyone should get the deserving rights. I do not think it (the Maratha reservation demand) will have any effect as people vote based on local scenarios. However, people will surely express anger against those who have made promises but not fulfilled them … The inflated confidence due to the Ladki Bahin scheme will soon be flattened.
Why has the MVA not projected a CM candidate?
This is not the tradition in Maharashtra. Instead of thinking about the CM candidate, it is important to bring a majority for MVA.
Will the party with the highest MLAs get the CM post?
Not necessarily. The ability to lead is more important. We have put up a large number of women candidates as well. Ultimately ability is what matters. The first step is to achieve a majority.
Alok Deshpande is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized for his focused and authoritative reporting on governance, politics, and the socio-economic dynamics of Maharashtra's hinterlands. His unique academic background in Geology and early work in the water sector provides a specialized layer of Expertise to his reporting on resource and environmental issues.
Expertise
Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai.
Core Authority: Alok provides detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, with a particular emphasis on how policies and power struggles affect the rural and semi-urban areas (the 'hinterlands').
Key Coverage Areas: His reports frequently focus on high-stakes administrative and political topics, including:
State Assembly Proceedings: In-depth reporting on the Legislative Assembly, covering ministerial statements, legislative debates, and inter-party conflict within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Policy & Finance: Coverage of state finances, including supplementary budget demands, fiscal deficits, and major government schemes (e.g., Jal Jeevan Mission, Ladki Bahin Yojana).
Rural and Social Issues: Reports on critical health issues (e.g., child deaths in districts), human-animal conflict (leopard attacks, stray dogs), and agrarian concerns (e.g., farmer suicides).
Local and Urban Governance: Covers major announcements regarding urban development (e.g., BMC's OC amnesty scheme, pagdi system push) and local body elections, including political defections and alliance splits.
Unique Credentials & Trustworthiness
Academic Specialization: Holds a Post-graduate degree in Geology. This background gives him a foundational understanding of natural resources, which directly informs his reporting on environment, water, and infrastructure projects.
Early Professional Experience: His shift to journalism came after working with an NGO focused on the water sector. This practical experience strengthens his Expertise in critical areas like water management and rural development, as evidenced by his reporting on the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Journalism Training: An alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, confirming his formal training and commitment to rigorous journalistic standards.
Alok Deshpande's rare combination of scientific education, non-profit sector experience, and deep political reporting makes him a highly trusted and authoritative voice on the governance and ground realities of Maharashtra.
He tweets @alokdesh ... Read More
