Exclusive | Lok Sabha elections 2024: This time, BJP will face humiliating defeat in Jalgaon, says Karan Pawar

Uddhav Thackeray with MVA candidate Karan Balasaheb Patil Pawar during a rally in Jalgaon. Pic/Ashish Raje

Karan Balasaheb Patil Pawar, 37, is vying for a seat in Jalgaon with the Shiv Sena (UBT), having previously been aligned with the BJP. His decision to switch sides came after his friend Unmesh Patil, the outgoing BJP MP, was denied a ticket, which was instead given to former party MLC Smita Wagh. Backed by Patil and others, Pawar is now ready to challenge Wagh in what promises to be a closely contested battle. As the town president of Parola village, he brings grassroots experience to the table. Recently, Pawar spoke with mid-day during his campaign in Jalgaon.

Excerpts from the interview

What made you quit the party and be a part of the Shiv Sena (UBT)?
It was humiliating to stay in the party due to certain local leaders. There is no point in staying around with such an atmosphere. Moreover, traditionally, the BJP has always come to power in Maharashtra with the Shiv Sena's help. It was the alliance with the unbroken Sena that always made the BJP win
due to Sena's cadre and mass base support.

The outgoing MP Unmesh Patil was earlier with the BJP and now switched sides. What will you say about work that has not been done?
Despite facing non-cooperation from local leadership, he has diligently pursued necessary developmental projects for the district, demonstrating focused effort and conducting thorough follow-ups. However, his progress was hindered by opposition from within his own party ranks, which has tainted the surrounding environment. Denying him a ticket was unjust, and I am determined to carry forward his work.

If he had so much expertise and passion, why was he denied a ticket? The Shiv Sena (UBT) also did not field him, and he has backed you.
Yes, the BJP has denied a ticket to a good candidate like him, and they will regret this once I win. About backing me. Such a practice is unprecedented in politics. It is a common theory propagated by everyone, including journalists, that a person leaves a party for the political ambition of getting a ticket for candidature. He has shown the way and led by example that he quit for injustice and did not have any ambition. He is backing me as a friend. It is a case of a leader giving up his career for a humble political worker like me, and we two friends will show the world how politics is done for the welfare of people.

You will be contesting against all those for whom you have been a part of and had been campaigning in 2014 and 2019.
Yes, but remember, in all the earlier times, there was a Sena-BJP alliance in power. It has been because of the Shiv Sena that the BJP has been winning here all the time. This time, they will face a humiliating defeat in their political stronghold of Jalgaon.

What is your vision for the constituency?
Work on irrigation needs to happen. Farmers with banana and cotton yields are not happy. Completion of irrigation projects has been pending, and there is no employment here. Unemployment in the district needs to be eradicated. The textile park that was approved for Jalgaon moved to Vidarbha. There was a Citrus Research Institute planned here, which never came up.

SWOT analysis

Strengths
Has the support of outgoing MP Unmesh Patil who has experience followers and knows the constituency well.

Weaknesses
A complete novice, weak in communication skills, not much active presence on social media, and has been having a difficult time managing all partners of the Maha Vikas Aghadi locally.

Opportunities
A new face and has been popular with the youth. The family has a strong political background and connections. Has the categorical and complete support of Uddhav Thackeray and his Sena faction and is receiving help from Sena Bhavan.

Threat
His opponent Smita Wagh is a loyal and veteran BJP leader and has support from the cadre. She is taking Pawar's nomination seriously and has left no stone unturned while campaigning by walking into interior villages.