All in a day's campaigning: Contestant at 24 weddings & 4 thread ceremonies

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Chandrakant Khaire, the MVA candidate for the Aurangabad Lok Sabha seat, attended as many as 24 weddings and four thread ceremonies in a single day on Sunday as a part of his election campaign.

The former four-time MP attended the first ceremony as early as 6 am and the last one at 7.30 pm.

"Even when I was an MP, I used to travel all the way from Delhi to my constituency to attend weddings and other ceremonies. I am a grassroot-level politician who likes to mingle with people in their joys and sorrows," he said.

While attending weddings, thread ceremonies and other functions, Khaire was seen gifting bouquets and photos of Lord Ganesha.

Opponents targeted Khaire for allegedly using private functions for election campaign.

"He is left with no support of party workers as all Shiv Sainiks are with chief minister Eknath Shinde. In desperation, he is attending weddings and other ceremonies and begging for votes," Shiv Sena district president Rajendra Janjal said.

Voters from Aurangabad Lok Sabha seat offered mixed reactions. "Khaire is the most accessible public leader. There is nothing wrong in mixing with people on their invitation. People will call him egoistic or selfish if he doesn't turn up for weddings or such functions," said Subodh Dharashivkar, a voter.

Another voter said Khaire makes a fool of people by striking conversations with them, leaving the key issues aside. "Aurangabad was once known as the fastest growing city in the whole of Asia. It has lost the pace of development and is plagued by multiple civic issues," said a voter.