Raj Thackeray's speeches are surely impacting voters: Ashok Chavan

Maharashtra Congress President Ashok Chavan has indicated that as per his estimate following the three phases of polls in the states the party is winning 20-22 Lok Sabha seats in the state. He added that MNS Chief Raj Thackeray's rallies are neutralizing the impact of PM Modi's rallies which will aid Congress- NCP to win more seats.

You were holed up for many days in your constituency Nanded amid talk that you are fighting the toughest battle of your life?

BJP tried to do a surgical strike over Nanded and Baramati and made these two constituencies their main targets. However, they did not succeed. My feedback tells me that I am winning with a handsome margin. This is despite BJP arranging Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal and CM Fadnavis rallies and fielding Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) to divide the secular votes. I am confident of winning.

How are the Raj Thackeray's rallies impacting the Lok Sabha polls?

Raj Thackeray has been exposing PM Modi and BJP's false claims through his audio-video presentations and speeches. His campaign is not pro-Congress but anti-Modi Shah. Raj has been comparing the Modi's five years ago speeches with today's speeches and work. Modi tried to hype issues but Raj Thackeray speeches exposed and punctured the balloon. Raj speeches are surely making an impact on voters. Therefore, BJP and Shiv Sena are raising objections.

How much impact Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) has made in the poll?

Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi(VBA) is the B team of the BJP. VBA never targeted the BJP. From where they are getting a huge amount of money? VBA leaders are using helicopters for campaigning. Besides, BJP pumped huge money through VBA candidates to damage the Congress and the NCP prospects. There is huge undercurrent against the incumbent govt. The Dalit, Muslim and Kunbi factor also consolidated in Vidarbha against the government.

What are the issues in the ongoing polls that are getting traction?

We have raised mob lynching, rural unrest, farmer suicides, remunerative prices to farmers crops and unemployment issues effectively. Maratha and Dhangar reservation is also a major issue. Govt did not implement the reservation promises. Besides, Sadhvi Pragya controversial statement against martyr Hemant Karkare did not go well with the people of Maharashtra.

Mukesh Ambani has extended his support to Congress candidate Milind Deora. How do you see this?

Raj Thackeray has explained Mukesh Ambani endorsement to Congress candidate shows that the wind is changing. Besides, the businessmen also want the country should be in safe hands.