Forward of the Maharashtra Meeting polls, BJP chief Pankaja Munde joined fingers with cousin Dhananjay Munde on Saturday and known as upon Different Backward Lessons (OBCs) to point out their prowess and struggle polarisation amongst communities.
In a veiled assault on Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil, BJP nationwide secretary and MLC Pankaja Munde mentioned, “The battle is nearing and we have now to point out our prowess. If anyone plots in opposition to the oppressed, poor or backward courses, we’ll guarantee they get a befitting reply.” Pankaja additionally declared that she would tour throughout Western Maharashtra, North Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidarbha.
The estranged Munde cousins had been sharing stage after 12 years. Pankaja Munde, who misplaced the Lok Sabha polls from her dwelling turf Beed — the epicentre of Maratha protests led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil, was addressing her annual Dussehra rally at Sawargaon Ghat, the birthplace of Sant Bhagwanbaba, a saint of her Vanjari group.
Expressing concern over rising polarisation, Pankaja mentioned, “The place is the state heading. As we speak, if there’s a automobile accident, the primary query is concerning the caste of the driving force… When a lady youngster is abused, they ask the caste.”
Munde mentioned she inherited the legacy of her father and late BJP stalwart Gopinath Munde and thanked individuals for giving her respect regardless of her electoral setback. “He had earned the goodwill of each caste and group. He had by no means proven discrimination in opposition to anyone on caste/ communities or faith,” she mentioned.
“To reciprocate for the respect I obtained, I’ll tour the state. The poor are ready for good days by protecting their religion in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s management. Now, we should play our playing cards,” she mentioned.
NCP chief and State Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde mentioned Gopinath Munde and Pankaja Munde struggled for the individuals, not for themselves. “As we speak, individuals from all communities are right here. The gang right here at this time reveals that we’re all united,” he mentioned.
Elections to the 288-member state meeting will doubtless be held in November. BJP is a companion within the ruling Mahayuti coalition, additionally comprising Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Shiv Sena headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Former minister Pankaja mentioned, “I’m not determined for a put up. 5 individuals misplaced their lives (by suicide) earlier than I grew to become an MLC. Despite the fact that I don’t maintain any put up, I cannot abandon those that have supported me. I’m not somebody who’s afraid of anyone.”
The Bhagwangad Dusshera rally was began in 1993 by late BJP chief and former Union minister Gopinath Munde.
After his demise in 2014, his eldest daughter Pankaja saved the custom alive.
Pankaja’s relations together with her cousin Dhananjay Munde had strained in 2009 after he was upset when Gopinath Munde fielded Pankaja from Parli.
At Saturday’s gathering, Dhananjay mentioned, “It was an extended 12-year wait… I’ve at all times held my sister Pankaja is highest esteem.”
Neither Pankaja nor Dhananjay named Jarange Patil, who for the primary time held a rally at Narayangad in district Beed. Dhananjay mentioned, “You may make lakh of makes an attempt to defeat us. We’ll rise with better dedication and emerge stronger.”
OBC activist Laxman Hake who had resorted to starvation strike to counter Jarange Patil’s demand for Maratha reservation additionally participated within the rally together with Rastriya Samaj Paksha chief Mahadev Jankar.
Pankaja additionally launched her younger son Ayrayan to the gathering, seen as a sign of launching him in politics.
The BJP state management, nevertheless, denied it.
