My aim is to dethrone the corrupt Naik empire: Abhijit Panse

The erstwhile Shiv Sainik, Abhijit Panse, 41, joined the rival Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) only a month back. Panse headed Bhartiya Vidyarti Sena, the student wing of Sena, for a decade. His new boss, Raj Thackeray, has entrusted him with a much bigger responsibility, contesting the Lok Sabha election from Thane constituency. Panse has a tough fight on hand considering the stalwarts—sitting MP and NCP leader Sanjeev Naik and Shiv Sena MLA Rajan Vichare—he is taking on.

Panse, an ad-film maker, whose debut Marathi film 'Rege' created buzz in many art film festivals, spoke to Kanchan Srivastava on Wednesday. Excerpts:

This is your first election ever. What are the challenges before you?
My biggest challenge in Thane is the 'netas'. They have amassed huge wealth in the name of development duping innocent people. Sanjeev Naik did nothing during his tenure. He is yet to learn that his constituency spans beyond Navi Mumbai. My aim is to dethrone the empire of Naiks, who have turned Thane and Navi Mumbai politics into a family affair. Sanjeev's father is in the cabinet and is the guardian minister, his brother is an MLA and his cousin is the mayor of Navi Mumbai. Dynasty politics has created a huge nexus of 'babus', 'netas' and builders in Thane. I want to change the way politics is being played out here.

What would be your priorities if you get elected?
India's core issues haven't change in the past 65 years. People are still struggling to get jobs, education and health care due to flawed policies. I would push for reforms in education by establishing 'Kranti niketans', which would adopt fresh teaching techniques, have a dynamic curriculum and a global approach in imparting knowledge beyond education. This will help generate entrepreneurs and skilled workers. I would also seek the extension of Right to Education Act up to graduation with 50% seats in private colleges reserved for the poor. I want to empower women, but beyond papad-pickle bachat-ghats. I would like to popularise subsidized loan schemes that are already existing among educated and aspiring women. Women should have grooming centres to prepare them for jobs, UPSC exams and selection to police force, etc.

How do you propose to address the major issues of the constituency?
I would push for speedy cluster development of Thane where illegal construction is rampant. I would also focus on water woes of Mira Bhayander, abolishing tax for those who live in legal buildings and speedy completion of mega projects. Above all, I will not ever take a contract. I would continue to earn a living through film-making.

Shiv Sena supporters call you an opportunist as you switched loyalty a month ahead of the election.
They can't call me an opportunist. Ten years ago Balasaheb chose me to lead the Bhartiya Vidyarthi Sena, which was led by Raj Thackeray before. I worked hard to consolidate support for the Sena across Maharashtra. But I was side-lined for the past two years, and hence I quit.

The MNS cadre is unhappy about your 'parachute' candidacy. Besides, north Indian migrants, who form a big chunk of the electorate, will never support the MNS due to its anti-north Indian stand. Are you relying mainly on Brahmins and Marathi manoos?
I faced some opposition in the beginning, but now everyone is supporting me. I am against caste and religion politics. I am an Indian. I seek votes from everyone to change the face of politics in this country.