Former Maharashtra minister Bachchu Kadu has defended his decision to merge his Prahar Janshakti Party with the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde, stating that some battles must be won using guerrilla tactics rather than direct confrontation. Kadu, who secured a nomination to the legislative council through this merger, hit back at critics, asserting that he would not compromise on issues concerning farmers, labourers, and persons with disabilities.
Kadu's Justification for the Merger
Addressing the media at his residence in Kuralpurna, Kadu explained that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had accepted all his demands, and the Shiv Sena would now extend full support for his social work. He emphasized that people's welfare mattered more to him than holding a ministerial or MLC post. Kadu clarified that the decision was not driven by self-interest but by the insistence of his party workers and the changed political circumstances following his party's defeat in the assembly elections.
Criticism from Political Opponents
After the electoral setback, Kadu faced heavy criticism from rivals, particularly the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray. Responding to MP Sanjay Raut's remark questioning his ability to get elected, Kadu retorted in his characteristic style that although the flag had changed, the agenda remained the same. He maintained that his move was a strategic necessity to ensure the survival of his party workers and to strengthen the Prahar movement.
Reflection on the 2024 Assembly Elections
Commenting on the 2024 assembly election results, Kadu admitted that his party had fielded 32 candidates, none of whom won. He questioned whether social activists who build movements for the people do not have the right to become public representatives. Kadu noted that all his colleagues who went to Guwahati got elected, while he alone was left behind. He acknowledged making some mistakes but argued that they were not significant enough to end the movement. The merger, he claimed, was a decision taken solely to ensure the survival of party workers and to strengthen the Prahar party.
Emotional Welcome at Kuralpurna
When Bachchu Kadu arrived at his native village Kuralpurna after joining the Shiv Sena, the atmosphere was charged with emotion. Upon reaching the village, he first visited the memorial of his parents. His wife, Nayana Kadu, welcomed him warmly. Party workers burst firecrackers and raised slogans that echoed throughout the area. Kadu appeared visibly emotional seeing the crowd of supporters who still loved him despite the electoral defeat.
While interacting with workers, Kadu elaborated on the reality behind his party switch. He stated that for 25 years, he considered only the people as his leader. However, during elections, many Prahar workers shifted to the BJP or NCP because they were uncertain of victory. This, he said, was a major tragedy. Kadu explained that since the people rejected him, he had to go to a leader. He emphasized that his entry into the Shiv Sena was not out of compulsion but a strategic decision taken to strengthen the workers. He expressed confidence that the organizational strength of Prahar and the Shiv Sena's symbol would now come together for public service. He urged his supporters not to take the Opposition's criticism to heart and to start working with renewed vigor in the coming days.
