Nagpur: To establish itself as a major player in Maharashtra’s political landscape, the Parivartan Mahashakti, an alliance of smaller regional parties and organisations, announced it will support candidates on 121 seats in the assembly elections, including constituencies across Vidarbha. The coalition has positioned itself as the ‘third front’ to counter the Mahayuti (BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP) and Maha Vikas Aghadi (Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena UBT), which they accuse of dividing voters based on caste and religion.
At a press briefing here on Monday, Parivartan Mahashakti leaders Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati of Maharashtra Swarajya Paksha, Bacchu Kadu of Prahar Janshakti Party, Raju Shetti of Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, Arun Kedar of Jai Vidarbha Party, and former MLA Wamanrao Chatap of Swatantra Bharat Paksh shared their vision for change. Backed by over 40 smaller organisations, including Dalit Panther, and Vidarbha Vikas Party, the alliance aims to address socio-economic issues that have long affected Maharashtra’s citizens.
“We want to focus on critical issues facing farmers, particularly the rising number of suicides due to low minimum support prices, crop failure, and the challenges of climate change,” Chatap said. He criticised the ruling Mahayuti govt for what he described as ‘reckless spending’ and ‘freebie politics’. “We’re here to bring real change, not just promises,” Chatap added.
Bacchu Kadu Backs Jarange’s Decision to Withdraw, Slams “Money Politics”
MLA Bacchu Kadu praised Maratha activist Manoj Jarange’s decision to withdraw from the electoral race, as it aligns with the group’s opposition to use of caste and religious identities in politics. “All major parties have introduced money and identity politics into the system,” Kadu asserted, adding that elections should focus on tangible work for the people.
Kadu, who has been elected four times from Achalpur, pointed to his own grassroot political journey as an example of rejecting ‘party-dominated’ politics. “In my constituency, I dismantled the traditional party system, and I intend to do the same across Maharashtra,” he said.
When asked if he ever discussed caste politics with Jarange, Kadu clarified that he never tried to guide Jarange, whom he considers perceptive and grounded in the struggles of ordinary people. On the rise in Independent candidates, Kadu said more candidates means more choice for voters,” he explained.
Sambhaji Raje Calls on Jarange to Support Parivartan Mahashakti
Maratha leader Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati said he is yet to meet Jarange following his withdrawal, but emphasised his belief that Jarange’s decision was made in the best interest of the Maratha community. “I doubt any political pressure was involved, as Jarange has always been firm in his beliefs,” Raje remarked.
Sambhaji Raje added that Parivartan Mahashakti welcomes support from Jarange, though the decision ultimately rests with him. “We do have a funds crunch, but we will fight just like Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” he said.
Raju Shetti, who recently met Jarange, also expressed hope for his support. “He assured me he’d consider it,” Shetti revealed.
