Prithviraj Chavan faces challenge in a five-corner contest in south Karhad

Maharashtra former Chief Minister plans to sell his development vision for his victory

Maharashtra’s former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan faces a huge challenge in his Karhad (south) seat in the state’s sugarcane-rich Satara district during the forthcoming Assembly polls.

Chavan has been pitted against seven-time legislator and Congress veteran Vilaskaka Patil-Undalkar, who has resigned from the party and entered the fray against Chavan. The rivalry between Chavan and 76-year-old Undalkar is three decades-old.

Chavan would also have to take on candidates from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Shiv Sena, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

Leading educationalist and Governor of Bihar D Y Patil’s son, Ajeenkya Patil, will contest against Chavan on a Shiv Sena ticket.

Chavan will also have to take on BJP candidate Atul Bhosale, yet another Congress rebel. In the 2009 Assembly poll, Bhosale had fought elections from Karad (north), but lost. The NCP, which had openly attacked Chavan for “policy paralysis” and his efforts to rein in the party, has fielded Rajendra Yadav. In addition to this, Chavan is being targeted by the MNS as well.

A visibly-relaxed Chavan told Business Standard on Sunday, “I will approach voters on the plank of development and also appeal to them for a decisive mandate in Maharashtra.” Chavan said he would also take his vision for Karhad (south) and for Maharashtra in general during the campaign.

During his tenure, Chavan had launched a slew of development works worth Rs 300 crore. He is banking heavily on these for votes.

Chavan, who was defeated by NCP candidate Srinivas Patil in the 1999 Lok Sabha poll from the erstwhile Karhad constituency, plans to regain his hold and silence his detractors.

Chavan’s aide and Satara District Congress Committee president Anandrao Patil said he did not see any problem in Chavan’s victory, given his “Mr Clean” image and honesty.

The Congress has launched print and electronic media campaigns, projecting Chavan as a clean administrator who pursued transparency during his tenure. “Chavan is the Congress’ Narendra Modi and is seeking votes on an inclusive growth plank,” said a former minister.