Maharashtra polls: As Maratha, OBCs face off, Pankaja Munde speaks of unity

BEED: In the Marathwada region, polarised on caste lines, BJP's prominent OBC face, Pankaja Munde talks about unity, development and farmer-related issues. The BJP is hoping to ride on her OBC credentials, as Pankaja's father, the late Gopinath Munde, was the state's Deputy Chief Minister, and credited for bringing the OBCs together.

Munde, who is not contesting elections this time, is supporting her estranged cousin Dhananjaya Munde, who is contesting from the NCP from Parli, the pocket borough of the Munde family.

In the aftermath of the Maratha reservation agitation, the MVA had on seven of the eight Lok Sabha seats .


Polarisation along caste lines is a visible factor in this region.

Nana Phule, a farmer from Mali community in Kaij, accompanied by Ramji Gawli from Dhangar community, who were going to attend Pankaja's rally says, "all the backwards lost the LS polls."

Pankaja, who has addressed around 40 rallies, tries to connect with voters, and says, "don't be disheartened if I am not contesting. I will take care of your all issues".

On attempts being made to polarise voters on caste and religious lines, Pankaja told ET that she looks at all voters as her own. "That's what my father has taught me and people from all faith have voted for me."

On Maratha reservation, Munde takes a cautious line and says she has always maintained that all deprived sections and those who need reservation should be given that under the framework of the Constitution.