‘Local Congress leaders are instigating Marathas against me’

NANDED: Former chief minister Ashok Chavan, who recently defected to the BJP, is struggling to keep his commitment made to the prime minister of winning the Nanded LS seat. Talking to Surendra P Gangan, Chavan dismissed the talk that there is unrest against him and alleged that local Congress leaders are instigating Marathas against him.

There seems to be unrest among Marathas over the quota issue and among the Congress workers in Nanded on you joining BJP.

This is not true, All this is the handywork of Congress leaders who have been instigating Maratha youth. I have been explaining to them about what has been done so far for the reservation. After that, their anger subsides. The local Congress leaders wanted to target me. The government has given 10% reservation, issued Kunbi certificates, and is following due process to give certificates to the blood relatives. There is no reason for the Marathas to be upset.

How did you cope with the new party and the ideology?

There is no question of ideology. There are Congress leaders who joined BJP and then again went back to the original party. You need time when you enter a new house, but I have adjusted myself. BJP people at state and higher level are happy with me. I tell my people that taking sides with power is important for the development of the district. Most of my supporters have joined BJP with me. Some are waiting for the election results. I have left it to them as local equations wary.

Nanded doesn’t seem to be an easy one for BJP even after you joined the party.

Election is election and should be fought with full strength. We are trying our best. I have made a commitment to the prime minister and am working hard to fulfil it. I am confident. We are banking on Modiji’s face, and it will benefit us. If we plan strategically, we can win.