Splits in parties orchestrated to increase NDA’s strength in Lok Sabha to pass delimitation bill: Prithviraj Chavan

Kolhapur: Former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan has alleged that splits within regional parties, including the recent reported division in Shiv Sena (UBT), are being orchestrated to bolster BJP-led NDA’s Lok Sabha strength and help it approach the 360-seat (two-thirds) majority needed to pass major legislation like the women’s reservation bill tied to delimitation.“By increasing its strength in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA govt wants to ensure permanent dominance of north Indian states. The poaching of leaders will continue till NDA crosses 360 MPs. This is being done to get the delimitation bill passed,” Chavan said while speaking in his hometown Karad in Satara district on Wednesday night.He alleged that the linking of the women’s reservation bill with delimitation was a strategic move.

“PM Modi has used this linkage as a political tool to alter the Constitution. At present, he depends on allies like (JD (U) chief and Rajya Sabha member) Nitish Kumar and (Andhra Pradesh CM) Chandrababu Naidu, but gradually this dependence will reduce,” Chavan said.Calling the situation a “black day for democracy”, Chavan accused govt of attempting to weaken democratic institutions. “Efforts are being made to end democracy and establish authoritarian rule.

On one hand, large amounts of money are being pumped into politics, and on the other, there is constant pressure from central agencies like ED and CBI. Under such dual pressure, it becomes extremely difficult to engage in politics,” the former CM said.He also alleged corruption in political defections. “There are incentives like monetary gains, contracts, and commissions, sometimes up to 40%, used to lure politicians.

The only aim of the Modi-led govt is to stay in power,” he added.Chavan also criticised BJP over its celebration of PM Modi becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru’s record. “The economy is in poor shape. Inflation has risen sharply and there is no clear foreign policy direction. Nehru served for nearly 17 years, whereas Modi is more focused on self-promotion. People are aware that India’s economic standing has slipped from fourth to sixth position globally, and inflation remains a serious concern,” he said.Meanwhile, Chavan extended his support to a panel led by Avinash Mohite for the upcoming Krishna Sugar Factory election. Mohite’s panel is contesting against the incumbent group headed by factory chairman Suresh Bhosale and his son, BJP MLA from Karad South, Atul Bhosale.