Exclusive | Lok Sabha elections 2024: Never thought I’d have to fight my sister-in-law, says Supriya Sule

Pic/Anurag Ahire

As NCP Sharad Pawar candidate Supriya Sule extensively campaigns in her Lok Sabha constituency, mid-day noticed that she was not only visiting villages and religious places, but also interacting with the youth, old and female voters, trying to understand the expectations people have of her. In one of the villages in the Khadakwasla Assembly segment, which she visited on Wednesday, she reminded voters about the work she did in her Lok Sabha constituency during her tenure as Member of Parliament. mid-day caught up with Sule for a quick chat.

She was also seen telling people about the work her father Sharad Pawar has done over several decades for the people of Baramati. Among other issues, she spoke of water scarcity in her constituency being a serious problem. She also blamed the government for not resolving the Maratha and Dhangar reservation issue.

Excerpts from the interview…

What are the key issues in your constituency?
Right now, one of the most crucial issues in the constituency is water shortage. This year, there has been a huge water problem. We were expecting it but this is much worse than expected. Since December, I have been requesting the state government to look into this problem, but they did nothing because of which people will have to suffer.

Supriya Sule interacts with people in Khadakwasla Assembly constituency. Pic/Anurag Ahire

Did you ever think that you might have to contest against your sister-in-law Sunetra Pawar from Baramati?
Obviously not.

What will be the impact of the Maratha and Dhangar reservation issue not being addressed?
It's a complete failure of the government. They have made promises about it but did nothing because of which the people from both communities are angry with the government.

There has been a debate over the ECI allotting the trumpet symbol to an independent candidate in Baramati but calling it a tutari?
We have already raised this issue with the Election Commission of India but they have not yet responded. (Sule said this to mid-day on Wednesday afternoon).

How do you keep yourself calm and composed?
I give credit solely to my parents for that.

Do you think there should be a higher representation of women in politics?
We have as always been in favour of this, which is why we supported the women's reservation bill.

Ten years down the line… where do you see yourself?
In Delhi, with Maharashtra as my base.