Ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections, BJP leader Pankaja Munde on Saturday reached out to Dalits and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), vowing to take action if these marginalized communities face troubles. Speaking at her annual Dussehra rally at Sawargaon Ghat, Munde reaffirmed her commitment to addressing the concerns of Dalits, OBCs, and the poor, positioning herself as a strong advocate for their welfare in the lead-up to the state elections.
Sawargaon Ghat, the birthplace of Sant Bhagwanbaba, a revered saint of the Vanjari community to which Munde belongs, served as the backdrop for her rally. Munde, who hails from Beed district, a region currently at the heart of the Maratha reservation protests led by activist Manoj Jarange, used the platform to connect with a wide audience.
Munde’s outreach to marginalized communities
Pankaja Munde, who lost the Lok Sabha elections in her home turf of Beed by a narrow margin, aimed her speech at strengthening ties with Dalits and OBCs, ensuring them that their voices would be heard. She expressed her concern over the growing divisions within society, particularly around caste-related issues.
“If a vehicle hits someone, people ask the caste of the driver. People want to know the caste of a person who has committed brutality against a small child and killed her. We don’t want such a society,” Munde declared, calling for an end to caste-based divisions.
She further emphasized her commitment to ensuring justice for marginalized groups, warning that the BJP would take cognizance if Dalits, OBCs, and the poor were troubled in the state. “I will take cognizance if the poor, Dalits, OBCs, and others face injustice,” she said, reassuring the audience of her dedication to fighting for their rights.
Upholding Gopinath Munde’s legacy
During her speech, Pankaja Munde paid tribute to her father, the late BJP stalwart Gopinath Munde, who was known for his deep connections with the OBC community and his work for the underprivileged. She expressed gratitude to the people who continued to show her respect despite her electoral defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Munde, who lost the Beed seat to Congress candidate Bajrang Sonawane by a slim margin of around 6,500 votes, acknowledged the setback but remained resolute. “I’m not desperate for a post. Even though I don’t hold any position now, I will not abandon those who have supported me,” she said, promising to continue her work for the people of Beed and Maharashtra.
She also announced her plans to tour the state, signaling her intent to reconnect with voters and address their concerns. “To reciprocate for the respect I received, I will tour the state. The poor are waiting for good days by keeping their faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Now, we must play our cards,” Munde said, underscoring her loyalty to the BJP and Modi’s leadership.
Assembly polls and the sugarcane industry
In her address, Munde made a special appeal to workers in the sugarcane industry, urging them not to leave for work before casting their votes. The sugarcane cutting season in Maharashtra typically begins in October, just before the state’s 288-member assembly elections, which are likely to be held in November.
Munde’s call to action was particularly significant for her constituency, as sugarcane workers play a crucial role in shaping election outcomes. She asked them to exercise their voting rights before heading to work, reinforcing the importance of their participation in the upcoming elections.
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Rally highlights unity
State agriculture minister Dhananjay Munde, Pankaja Munde’s cousin, also spoke at the rally, emphasizing the unity of the Vanjari community and the larger political coalition. He praised the efforts of Gopinath Munde and Pankaja Munde, highlighting their struggles for the people of Maharashtra.
“Gopinath Munde and Pankaja Munde struggled for the people, not for themselves. Today, people from all communities are here. The crowd here today shows that we are all united,” Dhananjay Munde remarked, underscoring the rally’s importance as a symbol of solidarity.
Without directly naming activist Manoj Jarange, who led a separate Dussehra rally in Beed district in support of the Maratha reservation, Dhananjay Munde urged the people to stay united. “If we unite, no one can organize another such event in this area and undermine Pankaja Munde’s annual Dussehra rally. This is the time for struggle, and we need to stand with each other,” he added.
As the Maharashtra assembly elections approach, Pankaja Munde’s outreach to Dalits and OBCs positions her as a key figure in addressing the concerns of marginalized communities. By invoking her father’s legacy and reaffirming her commitment to justice and unity, Munde seeks to rally support and strengthen her standing within the BJP and among her constituents.
