BJP’s Strategic Moves: Targeting Katol and Saoner Seats in Upcoming Elections
Nagpur: The political landscape in Nagpur is heating up as the BJP gears up for the upcoming Parliamentary elections, setting its sights on the crucial Katol and Saoner assembly seats. The district unit, led by president Sudhakar Kohale, is leaving no stone unturned to secure victory in these constituencies.
In a recent press meet, the saffron party’s rural unit outlined its clear intentions to wrest control of both seats from the opposition parties. The visit and overnight stay by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at Paradsinga in Katol, as part of the ‘Gaon Chalo Abhiyan,’ underscored the party’s commitment to the cause, according to insiders.
Katol: A Bastion Challenged
Katol, traditionally a stronghold for the NCP, presents a formidable challenge for the BJP. The constituency has been represented by five-time MLA Anil Deshmukh, a close associate of NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar, since 1995. Despite a brief victory for the BJP in 2014, when Ashish Deshmukh defeated his uncle during the Narendra Modi wave, Katol remains a tough battleground.
The BJP’s early preparations in Katol indicate a keen interest in unseating Deshmukh, with speculation rising that Ashish might again be pitted against his uncle. The saffron party acknowledges the difficulty but remains determined to make inroads into this NCP bastion.
Saoner: An Opportunity Arises
Saoner, on the other hand, presents a more favorable scenario for the BJP. The disqualification of sitting MLA Sunil Kedar, following his conviction in the Nagpur District Central Cooperative Bank (NDCCB) scam, has opened up possibilities for the saffron party.
Kedar, a five-term MLA from the town, had remained undefeated even during the Modi wave of 2014. His disqualification now provides the BJP with a chance to capitalize on the situation and secure the seat that has been predominantly held by the Congress.
Intra-Party Clashes and Political Drama
The political fervor escalated as both Deshmukhs clashed on stage during an event discussing development works for Katol town. Ashish criticized his uncle for the lack of job opportunities and development since 2019, prompting a heated exchange. Fadnavis and BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule were present at the event.
The event witnessed further commotion when Shetkari Kamgar Paksh (SKP) leader Rahul Deshmukh was denied the opportunity to speak on political issues. Bawankule condemned the disruption, emphasizing the need for constructive discussions on ongoing issues affecting the constituency.
Fadnavis’ Assurance and Political Maneuvering
Fadnavis expressed disappointment that the event turned political but assured citizens of government support through various central government schemes. Despite the challenges and intra-party clashes, the BJP remains steadfast in its pursuit of victory in Katol and Saoner, shaping the political narrative in Nagpur.
As the electoral battle intensifies, all eyes are on these key constituencies, where the BJP aims to reshape the political landscape in its favor. The upcoming Parliamentary elections in Nagpur promise to be a riveting contest, with the saffron party strategically positioning itself for success.
