1 week Ago By Ardhra Nair
Latur: Around 7pm, the narrow lanes near Vasant Naik Chowk in Latur city come alive with young men gathering at every corner, their faces lit with anticipation. The sound of fireworks heard from a distance alerts them. Soon, the unmistakable crackle grows closer and the crowd springs into action.
Holding aloft a gargantuan flower garland with the aid of an industrial crane, they prepare for the arrival of their leader, a scene that evokes memories of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange's rousing welcome in rallies. In an open-top vehicle, Amit Deshmukh, three-time MLA from Latur City assembly constituency and the elder son of late chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, makes his grand entrance. Women shower flower petals from rooftops, cheers erupt from the crowd, and garlands encircle the air, cementing the spectacle of loyalty and grandeur.
Amit's re-election is critical to solidifying his role as the face of Congress in Marathwada, while his younger brother Dhiraj Deshmukh, the current MLA from Latur Rural, seeks to prove himself as more than just Vilasrao's legacy bearer. However, beyond the campaign frenzy, the brothers face common challenges: overcoming anti-incumbency, navigating intricate caste dynamics, and countering attacks from the opposition that accuses them of banking on their father's reputation rather than delivering results and of being "missing" from their constituencies. These two seats share a unique history.
In the 2004 Lok Sabha election, Congress's Shivraj Patil Chakurkar lost Latur to party veteran Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar's daughter-in-law Rupa Patil Nilangekar, contesting on a BJP ticket. In a twist two decades later, Chakurkar's daughter-in-law Archana Patil Chakurkar (BJP) takes on the "crown prince" Amit in the Nov 20 assembly poll. This time, Dhiraj faces his first serious opponent in BJP's Ramesh Karad, a sitting MLC.
Unlike 2019, where NOTA was Dhiraj's closest contender, Karad brings political weight and experience, despite his electoral losses in 2009 and 2014. "The elder one reminds me of Vilasraoji with his sharp, all-seeing eyes, congenial demeanor, political acumen, and his compelling speech delivery," a long-time partyman said. "Dhiraj, on the other hand, is fiery, but he is learning the ropes.
Politics is not just about power; it is about alliances, even with those you dislike." The Maratha reservation agitation, agrarian crisis, their father's legacy, and their sugarcane industry network employing thousands are expected to bolster their campaign. What stand in their way are the opposition's "missing MLA" narrative, Chakurkar's Lingayat roots, and the Ladki Bahin scheme.
Caste dynamics play a pivotal role in Marathwada politics, and Chakurkar's Lingayat connection provides her with a strategic advantage. Prominent names like Piyush Goyal, Ramdas Athawale, and Karnataka politician Bhagwanth Khuba have already campaigned for her. Vikram Patil, a close aide of Chakurkar, highlighted Latur city's diverse population of more than four lakh.
"The Muslim community accounts for around one lakh, Lingayats 80,000 to 85,000, OBCs 60,000 to 65,000, and the Maratha community roughly 50,000 to 55,000. Traditionally, Muslims have supported Congress, while OBCs have leaned toward BJP. However, every election is different.
" Chakurkar, a doctor-turned-politician, focuses on accessibility and development, walking 10-13 km daily to connect with voters. Coming down heavily on the incumbent MLA, she said, "Every sector I visit in Latur is grappling with unresolved issues. MIDC faces higher taxation and struggles to even meet the MLA.
Lawyers are working out of tin sheds in fire exit pathways due to lack of proper office spaces. An IMA Bhavan promised to doctors three years ago is yet to see the light of the day." Chakurkar called Ladki Bahin scheme a game changer.
"During my foot campaigns, women often express excitement about the respect they feel because of the financial support of Rs 1,500 every month. I aim to create platforms where women feel safe and can showcase their talents." Dismissing the impact of the Maratha quota issue, she claimed, "The Congress candidate relied heavily on support from Muslims and Dalits, ignoring other communities.
But this time, the scenario is different. My family's legacy of bridging divides across castes and religions is resonating with voters." The Deshmukhs, being part of the Maratha community, are closely tied to one of Marathwada's most pressing matters: the unresolved demand for reservation.
After a series of house and village visits, involving a convoy of 16-20 vehicles navigating the narrow, uneven roads of Bitargaon in Latur Rural constituency, Dhiraj sat down with TOI. He sharply criticised the govt's inconsistent approach to the reservation issue, emphasizing how repeated assurances have only fueled frustration among Marathas. "Initially, Congress had granted 14% reservation for Marathas.
Under successive govts, this percentage fluctuated, and the current administration has failed to clarify or uphold its promises, leading to divisions," he said. Dhiraj pointed out that the govt's inability to balance Maratha and OBC interests has stoked tensions, and this mishandling could influence voter sentiment. Amit is buoyed by the party's recent Lok Sabha win in Latur after 10 years of BJP in the seat.
Echoing his brother's sentiments, he said, "Mahayuti has failed to address the Maratha community's concerns and may face repercussions for this neglect." The brothers also blamed the state govt for the farmers' distress. "They are willing to allocate funds for other expenditures, yet farmers struggle due to unregulated import policies.
When a farmer's inputs cost more than their outputs, how can we expect them to prosper?" Amit argued. Shivraj Patil, a farmer, emphasised the Deshmukh family's influence in Latur's sugar cane industry and said though their vote share may dip with a stronger opposition, defeating them is a tough task. At the same time, people are quick to point out that Latur had once thrown out Vilasrao Deshmukh, a five-time MLA and two-time CM.
"Latur has a history of reminding politicians that if they become inaccessible and start taking people for granted, they will be defeated. In 1995, Vilasraoji, despite all that he did for Latur, was defeated by BJP's Shivajirao Patil Kavhekar. While it is true that BJP politician Sudhakar Shrangare's switch to MVA will hurt us, the candidates from Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi will also affect the prospects of MVA as they are bound to cut into Congress's votes," a businessman, who did not wish to be named, said.
In Latur Rural, BJP's Ramesh Karad, an OBC leader, targeted Congress for neglecting the constituency. He credited BJP for bringing a coach factory to the region, although it is yet to become operational. "The Congress candidates disappear after elections.
People want a representative who lives among them." To counter BJP, Bollywood star and one of the three Deshmukh brothers - Riteish Deshmukh - has been holding sabhas and his punch lines often go viral..
