As police and central paramilitary forces gear up to thwart the Naxal plans to disrupt the polling on Tuesday, contestants were busy
flexing their muscles on Sunday, the last day of campaigning. It was certainly a tough day for the contestants as they finalized their campaigning schedule in the reserved constituencies of tribal district.
While the heavyweights marked the last round of campaigns with huge rallies and large meetings, small fish too tried to conquer hearts through their personal networking and a door-to-door. On the day when the election staff as well as policemen were airlifted to remote polling areas, contestants spent the entire day running from meetings to rallies.
Former minister, the ever-controversial Dharmaraobaba Atram of NCP attended several meetings in course of the day in his Aheri constituency including some accompanied by the new member of the parliament Marotrao Kowase. He said the trump card of his campaign has been stress on 'rozgar, shikshan and sinchan' (employment, education and irrigation).
"My focus was on development. I have ensured better roads and irrigation for my constituency. Developmental work of such magnitude did not take place elsewhere," said Atram. He denied allegations of using 'Sam daam Danda Bhed' (talks, rewards, punishment and intrigue) to get his way in politics. "I have been fairly involved in the democratic process (election) whereas others are extending their liberties," said Atram. He dismissed the idea that controversies could cast a shadow on his prospects.
Challenging the two-time MLA is a young turk Deepak Atram. Deepak, who is learnt to be aided by a strong political leader, vow to pull off an upset victory against Dharmarao who is already trumpeting that all his opponents' deposits will be forfeited.
"People want change as they want development which has remained an elusive here. I don't at all consider Dharmarao as a heavyweight or attach any importance to him. I am in touch with the masses irrespective of their caste, creed, and class and they know me as their prime support during crisis. I have fought for them and expect their support in return," said greenhorn Deepak who is considered tougher contestant for Dharmarao than BJP's Bajirao Kumre. Deepak also accused Dharmarao of having done nothing though he was a minister for long terms.
Armori's Congress candidate Anandrao Gedam, whose hectic schedule included meetings in the interior villages and also a massive rally at Wadsa, claimed that the internal fights in his opposition camp have only aided him. There are three ex-MLAs in the fray in Armori which was considered a Shiv Sena bastion in the past. "People have seen how their votes were wasted for 15 years before I was elected for the first time five years ago. I have ensured irrigation projects worth crores and bridges. I took several initiatives for farmers and Tendu collectors," said a confident-sounding Gedam. He said that the newly sanctioned State Reserve Police Force camp at Wadsa would not only bring security but also job opportunities for the local residents.
Favourite and two-time MLA Ashok Nete of BJP, who talked to TOI before rushing to two rallies at Gadchiroli city and Potegaon, said that he had tried to bring about positive changes in the tribal district and ensure development. "I got several irrigation projects sanctioned. Gondwana University is also coming up in the city due to my initiative. I got 34 veterinary hospitals for the district, struggled to ensure the tribals get their forested lands and a power sub-station," said an upbeat Nete claiming that his works speak for him. "I do not want to comment on my opposition," he said.
The contenders, whose political careers are now at the mercy of voters, were diplomaticon the issue of Naxal violence unleashed in the district. Though they all agreed that the bloodshed should give away to development, it was clear they preferred not to have direct confrontation with the rebels.