Nothing political: NCP MP Udayanraje Bhosale routinely meets CM Devendra Fadnavis

On Tuesday, NCP MP Udayanraje Bhosale, 13th descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at Mantralaya. A few NCP leaders from Satara including sitting MLAs have opposed re-nomination of Udayanraje for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections as NCP candidate. A delegation met NCP President Sharad Pawar with this demand. Udayanraje had a separate meeting with Pawar in Satara.

However, Udayanraje himself downplayed the CM meeting as a routine meeting to follow up pending works in his constituency. "I have friends in all the parties. Who said that I did not discuss politics with Fadnavis today," said Bhosle.

Udayanraje stated that he would contest elections till people of Satara have faith in him, Udayanraje said, "Those opposing me should prove that they have backing from people. I won Lok Sabha seat with a huge margin and this margin increased in the last election. Those who are opposing me should show that people are in their favour, only then will I quit. I would contest elections till people are with me."

He also articulated his views on reservation and asserted that it be extended only to the economically backward sections and not on the basis of caste. Speaking to media at Mantralaya, Udayanraje said that he never understood what is caste all about. He said that if a meritorious student loses his seat to a student from reserved category, animosity between the two castes increase. Thus, economic status should be the only criterion for reservations, he added.