Farmers’ party heading for a split

  • | Saturday | 25th February, 2017

"In the recent ZP elections, the Swabhimani Paksha could win just two 2 seats as against five won in last ZP elections. In addition, the party was in number two position in 2012 ZP elections at two other places. Speaking to the media in Sangli, Khot said Shetti may be the happiest person after watching Sagar's defeat. Sources in the party claimed that the proximity between Khot and some BJP leaders had caused the unease. "Without directly blaming Khot, Shetti referred to the issues raised by the party members that Khot had stayed away from campaigning of the party's candidates.The workers of the organisation and the party are confused over the recent developments.

Kolhapur: Swabhimani Paksha, the political party of Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna , is on the verge of a split as the ties between two of its founder leaders have been on edge this poll season.Member of Parliament (MP) Raju Shetti and Maharashtra minister of state for co-operation and marketing Sadabhau Khot have been at loggerheads for quite some time now. When Khot's son Sagar was given the nomination to contest the zilla parishad in Sangli, Shetti had shown his disagreement over it.Shetti had said he was against the candidature given to Khot's son as it was an attempt to introduce dynastic politics in the organisation. Khot had replied that since his son was working in the organisation for many years, people had themselves insisted on his candidature for Zilla Parishad elections.An indication of how much the relations have soured came on Friday. Speaking to the media in Sangli, Khot said Shetti may be the happiest person after watching Sagar's defeat. "Shetti should have campaigned for my son. Also, Shetti didn't support the candidates of the front we formed in Sangli," Khot said.Swabhimani Paksha formed an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for 2014 Lok Sabha and legislative assembly elections. After the BJP's thumping win, the party offered a legislative council seat to Khot. The farmers' leader was elected and was inducted in the Devendra Fadnavis cabinet.Khot refused to speak to TOI over the alleged tussle between the two leaders. "For me, the concerns of the farmers are a priority. Politics cannot be done under the veil of principles for long," said Khot.?Shetti told TOI, "Khot may be upset with his son's defeat. I am touring the state and finding out the reasons for the defeat. Soon, we are going to convene a meeting of the candidates defeated in the ZP and Panchayat Samiti elections where we will discuss all relevant issues."Without directly blaming Khot, Shetti referred to the issues raised by the party members that Khot had stayed away from campaigning of the party's candidates.The workers of the organisation and the party are confused over the recent developments. Sources in the party claimed that the proximity between Khot and some BJP leaders had caused the unease. There have been rumours that Khot may ditch the organisation soon to head to the BJP have only fueled the tension.Khot is considered as a firebrand leader and second in command in the party. Party workers feel that BJP's entry in the region, especially Sangli and Kolhapur districts, since last ten years has considerably shrunken the space for the growth of the Swabhimani Paksha.Bhagwan Kate, a local leader of the party, said, "Both are mature leaders and will not take any extreme step. The differences will be resolved soon. Both understand that the party and the organisation are facing tough fight from others."In the recent ZP elections, the Swabhimani Paksha could win just two 2 seats as against five won in last ZP elections. In addition, the party was in number two position in 2012 ZP elections at two other places.

If You Like This Story, Support NYOOOZ

NYOOOZ SUPPORTER

NYOOOZ FRIEND

Your support to NYOOOZ will help us to continue create and publish news for and from smaller cities, which also need equal voice as much as citizens living in bigger cities have through mainstream media organizations.


Stay updated with all the Latest Kolhapur headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.

Related Articles