Arch rivals Kale and Keche fight it out in Arvi

Wardha: Facing an uphill task of convincing the voters about the importance of a stronger opposition in the democratic process, the sitting Congress MLA from Arvi , Amar Kale, is contesting his fifth election. He is facing his arch rival Dadarao Keche of the BJP.

There are eight other candidates in the fray.

While both the main contenders are hopeful of their victory, Keche, who had defeated Kale once in 2009, is banking on the Modi magic. The senior BJP leader Keche is contesting his sixth election.

“People know that BJP is going to form next government in the state and voters always prefer to back the ruling party candidate,” Keche said. “Though I was not an MLA in the outgoing term, yet I was instrumental in bringing developmental works to the constituency,” he said.

Kale first contested bypoll in 2002 following demise of his father and then four-time Congress MLA Dr Sharad Kale. He defeated former BJP MP Vijay Mude. Since 2004, BJP had bet on Keche, who lost in 2014 by a very low margin.

Talking to TOI, Kale said, “I have been in touch with the people and know the local issues. The main problem in my constituency is unemployment. I was instrumental in setting up 500-acre MIDC in Karanja. However, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who belongs to Vidarbha, failed to fetch any employment-generating projects there. When I tried to raise issues concerning public in the assembly, I was suspended twice.”

“I had taken out padyatra from Arvi to Nagpur to highlight the stepmotherly treatment meted out to my constituency,” Kale said. On the importance of a strong opposition, Kale pointed out that in Arvi Municipal Council all 23 members are from the BJP. There is no opposition. After experiencing the functioning of BJP-ruled council, people have now realized the importance of opposition’s role, he said.

“My campaign is based on work that I have carried out in last five years and what I am going to do in coming years. I have nurtured the constituency and have faith in voters that they would elect me again,” Kale said.

While candidates are struggling to woo the voters, common man here is not ready to disclose the cards.

Tempo driver from Telgaon, Yuvraj Parajit, said, “No one can guess. I can only say that the winning margin will be very less. I am a regular visitor to villages and nearby towns in the constituency and there is no wave.”

A daily wager Tushar Dongare said the fight is very close as both the main contenders are strong.

Babuji alias Nayansukh Laddha, former ZP member and prominent BJP leader, said, “Factionalism in BJP may affect the prospects of the party.”

Anudip Gokhare, a resident of Kannamwargram who runs a canteen, said, “This time, caste votes have been divided. Traditional votes of the Congress from Gavali and Powar communities, dominant in Karanja tahsil, seem to have been divided and turned to the BJP. I have never met Keche, but heard about him. Kale is a decent person, hence many people like him.”

2014

Winner - Amar Kale - (Congress 75,886

Runner-up Dadarao Keche (BJP) 72,746

Voters (2019)

Male - 1,33,927

Female- 1,28,312

Total - 2,62,239

Main contestants (2019)

Amar Kale (Congress)

Dadarao Keche (BJP)

8 other candidates are in the fray