PUNE, January 30: The Pune parliamentary constituency will witness a unique battle of sorts with estranged Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi's decision to take on his political mentor and Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar.Kalmadi, who is contesting as an independent candidate supported by the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena combine, has dared Pawar in his home district to defeat him in the ensuing elections. He alleged that "the Congress nominee Vitthal Tupe and rebel BJP leader Anna Joshi have entered into the fray only at the behest of Pawar. Both have blessings from Pawar." Kalmadi, who enjoys support from the BJP-SS legislators and majority corporators, said he was confident about winning the ensuing elections despite candidatures of Tupe and Joshi. "I don't see any major threat as I enjoy comfortable support from youths, Puneites and above all from BJP's workers."
However, Kalmadi will have to face the Pawar machinations as the ensuing elections will be an acid test for Pawar in his home district. Pawar, who is hellbent on defeating Kalmadi, will leave no stone unturned. The Congress party has decided to project the electoral battle between "Janshakti" and "Dhanshakti". Observers feel that with the nomination of Tupe who is a Maratha, Pawar will like to lure the traditional supporters of the Congress party. The observers also said that the rebel BJP leader Anna Joshi may eat into the support base of saffron BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The high profile Kalmadi told The Financial Express that his decision to contest the coming elections was with a sole mission of Pune's development. "I am going to the voters on the issue of stability and an integrated development of Pune."
Kalmadi, who is contesting under the banner of Pune Vikas Aghadi, said that his election manifesto "Vikasnama" also emphasises self-employment for youths. Kalmadi, who won the 1996 Lok Sabha election on the Congress ticket, has no regrets on quitting the Congress party. "I have left the party because Sitaram Kesri wanted toprohibit me from retaining my seat. I am contesting as an independent to serve the Pune city." Kalmadi brushed aside allegations of using money power and unethical means to win the election. "These charges which are made against me are totally baseless as I have support of Puneites."
Interestingly, Pawar will have to further tighten the belt for the defeat of his erstwhile close confidante and political manager. At the same time, Pawar cannot underestimate Kalmadi's clout in the minorities, youths and especially in the working class. On the other hand, Kalmadi does not want to disturb his equations with 10 Janpath.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
