Lok Sabha Elections 2024: ‘My main focus is resolving water scarcity,' Chandrahar Patil says

Chandrahar Patil in a meeting at Jain Samaj Hall in Sangli on Sunday. Pic/Anurag Ahire

A few days ago, Dr Vishwajeet Kadam, a former minister and influential figure from Sangli district, addressed a rally in front of senior Congress leaders. He expressed dissatisfaction among the Congress members in Sangli regarding the decision to allocate the Sangli Lok Sabha seat to Shiv Sena's Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi seat-sharing arrangement. Despite this, Dr Kadam assured his support for the MVA candidate. His passionate speech attracted attention in local and state media, suggesting potential tensions within the MVA coalition.

A couple of days later, we spotted Dr Kadam joining forces with MVA and Shiv Sena UBT candidate Chandrahar Patil in Palus tehsil. While Dr Kadam actively campaigned for Patil, attendees at their rallies speculated whether the Congress candidate would genuinely support Patil or silently favour Vishal Patil, popularly known as Vishal dada, in the constituency. In the midst of these events, we had a brief interview with Chandrahar Patil. According to him, the battle for the Sangli Lok Sabha seat boils down to a face-off between him and BJP candidate Sanjay Kaka Patil.

The sitting BJP MP, Sanjay Kaka Patil, is contesting the election to become the MP for the third time. What is your take on this?
In 2014, they had come up with an election manifesto with a list of promises, and even after 10 years, the sitting BJP MP has failed to deliver the promises, which include development works in the constituency, addressing the issue of unemployment among the youngsters, and solving the issue related to water scarcity in the district. He even promised the farmers several works related to irrigation, but in reality, he has done nothing, and because of this people in the constituency want change. If he wanted to work, he would have done a lot of things for athletes too, but he has failed on all fronts.

It's a triangular fight in Sangli. One of the independent candidates is a Congress rebel. Do you think his candidature might help BJP win the seat as there are talks that the Congress cadre is not happy with your candidature and they might vote for Vishal Patil?
Vishal Patil's candidacy won't affect us much; there are many independent candidates in the race. Our Maha Vikas Aghadi support is solid, evident in key figures backing me like Dr Vishwajeet Kadam and Jayant Patil. With support from leaders like Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray, victory is certain. Don't believe rumours about MVA's unity issues.

What are the key issues in your constituency and what is your vision for the same?
The main problem in my area is water scarcity and irrigation issues. Currently, about 200 villages in Jath taluka rely on water tankers. With May approaching, the situation is set to get worse, leading to a lack of fodder for livestock and potential migration from affected villages. Some villages near the Maharashtra-Karnataka border even express a desire to relocate due to Maharashtra's inadequate facilities, highlighting the failure of current government and MP. My main focus will be on resolving water scarcity and improving irrigation systems. Tackling unemployment is crucial, and I aim to establish MIDC in all talukas of the Sangli Lok Sabha constituency. I also plan to set up IT parks in Sangli and Miraj and boost sports and athletic initiatives to support youth interested in sports careers.

10
No of years BJP has held Sangli seat