Lok Sabha Elections 2024: People will decide which is the true Shiv Sena, says Omprakash Rajenimbalkar

Omprakash Rajenimbalkar addresses voters during a rally in Dharashiv. Pic/Nimesh Dave

This election is about ‘Dharma against Adharma' not any individuals. It is about ‘Neeti against Aneeti'," Omprakash Rajenimbalkar, the Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate of Osmanabad, told mid-day in an interview. While criticising the Modi government, he also slammed local politicians. Excerpts:

How do you see this election?
In this constituency, 70 per cent of the population is dependent on agriculture. We don't have huge industries. This election is about farmers' issues, Maratha reservation, irrigation and agricultural development. I'm a down-to-earth person. I know the issues of the common man. I see this election as the future growth of my district. The Neeti Ayog had declared Dharashiv (formerly known as Osmanabad) district as an ‘aspirational district'. It means your district is undeveloped.

For decades, a single family has governed this district. But where is the progress? The transformation in Latur, from a tehsil to a separate district in 1983, showcases what visionary leadership can achieve. Previously, there was a trend of exploiting citizens, leaving them economically and educationally deprived. However, with a new vision for development, initiated during my tenure as MP and with the MVA in power, significant changes are underway. A government medical college has been established, and plans for the Solapur Tuljapur Dharashiv railway are advancing with land acquisition and tender processes in motion.

Migration due to the absence of the industries here is huge. What are you doing for that?
Approximately 70 per cent of the population relies on agriculture, but it's not profitable due to government mismanagement. Import bans when prices rise force reliance on exports. Government regulation keeps agricultural prices low to curb inflation. Lack of infrastructure deters industrial growth, leading to significant migration. Efforts to attract industries include reaching out to local industrialists settled elsewhere, with plans for further discussions post-elections.

Who is fighting against whom in this election?
This election is about Dharma and Adharna, Neeti and Aneeti. The BJP claims to combat corruption, yet politicians they once criticised are now allied with them. Despite promises, farmers' incomes haven't doubled as pledged by PM Modi. Gas cylinder prices have surged. While politicians vow to improve conditions, promises like Maratha reservation remain unfulfilled.

You have always remained loyal to Uddhav Thackeray
My dharma says don't forget the person who helped you on your bad days. I can't leave him on his bad days. I was nothing, I'm a very common person. Uddhav-ji allowed me to contest the election. How can I leave him? Our symbol has been stolen. But we are now in the court of the public. The people will decide which is the true Shiv Sena.