DNA Exclusive: BJP has big bucks, I have people's confidence, says Ashok Chavan

With BJP making a determined bid make a dent in Congress fortress Nanded, former chief minister and sitting MP Ashok Chavan who is seeking a re-election from this constituency is facing an acid test. BJP has pulled up all resources forcing Chavan to focus solely on Nanded. In an interview with DNA, Chavan explains his poll strategy.

Nanded has become a prestige battle for BJP and Congress. BJP is going all out to wrest Nanded seat from Congress

A few days ago Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally here. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had held four meetings while the union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Piyush Goyal had also camped here. It is very clear that BJP has targetted Nanded constituency.

The fight here is obviously going to be big. BJP wants me out of this arena and that is why they are trying their level best. Plenty of money has been pumped in by BJP in this constituency.

However, I and my colleagues are working hard to reach out to people through rallies and meetings. Congress President Rahul Gandhi has addressed a big rally while the leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad has also held a meeting here. Similarly, NCP leaders including its party chief Sharad Pawar, former deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal and state NCP president Jayant Patil have also addressed rallies.

How are you equipped to retain your seat?

We have a huge network of Congress people in the entire Nanded district. Our teams are working quite hard. I have worked hard for the development of this constituency. Despite being the opposition, the constituency has received enough funds.

I am projecting the failures of the present government on all fronts. The promises they made in 2014 have not been fulfilled. Farmers suicides, unemployment are basic issues that haven't been addressed and I am flagging them off boldly during my campaign.

Despite BJP's money power, I am confident about my victory because people of this constituency are with me. Money does not always help to win elections. Public network, contacts and image in the constituency also play an important role. No matter how much BJP tries, I will succeed.

I feel that voters have trusted me and my father late SB Chavan. I had inherited the legacy of my father in the constituency, and I had taken it forward. My efforts to push the development of Nanded will not go unrecognised. Thus, I make an appeal to voters to trust me, I will deliver the best.

Congress party in Maharashtra continues to be a divided house. Will it hamper the party's prospects?

The party is not dived, it is unanimous and united. The war has begun and we have to fight as a single entity. All our party leaders are working in their respective areas and there is no division there.

However, Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil is believed to be working for his son Sujay who is BJP nominee in Ahmednagar. What is your take?

There are issues with the Ahmednagar district which are in the knowledge of party high command.