Having returned to the city after being holed up in Mumbai with other party rebels for over a fortnight, Congress MLA from Chincholi Umesh Jadhav, returned to his constituency on Thursday. While he admitted he would soon take a decision on either staying on with the Congress or quitting it, he denied he had been “bought” by the BJP and was helping it destablise the state government. Excerpts from an interview.
What is your position in the Congress party now?
I’m forced to take certain decisions as I can’t waste my life. My constituency is the most backward in the state and has the highest malnutrition rate. I left my lucrative central government job to improve its lot. What’s the use of being an MLA if I cannot accomplish that? I’m not getting the officers I want. As I’m a highly qualified person, people expect a lot from me. If I don't live upto their expectations they will be disappointed.
Since when has development of your constituency suffered?
Since this coalition government came to power.
Earlier things were better?
Earlier things were okay. Though I was a probationer, a lot of good work was done and I could make an impact on the lives of the people.
It’s rumoured that you intend to join the BJP.
I’m still in the Congress, but confused what to do next. My constituency people want rapid development. I’m assessing the situation and consulting my followers.
How soon are you going to take a decision?
In another 15 days. The Congress high command is sympathetic to me, but the problem is with the local leaders. We not only want development work to be speeded up, but more respect. Did (Minister) Priyank (Kharge ) have coffee with any legislator from the district even once during the last seven months, leave alone discuss development work?. Has he visited my house even once in Kalaburagi? I expect this minimum courtesy from him. But I have an open mind and will decide after assessing the situation.
There are also reports that you will be fielded as a BJP candidate from Kalaburagi in the coming Lok Sabha election?
These reports are appearing in media. I have not said this to anyone.
You mean they are mere rumours?
Not mere rumours, they are being said by my wellwishers and mediators.
What are your problems with the Congress?
I have differences with those who are at the helm of affairs both in the state and district. I am not happy with them because of a lot of internal matters that I cannot speak of now. Many decisions have been taken about my constituency without my knowledge.
You think impediments are being deliberately created to scuttle your political growth?
It was sheer nonsense to see my own partymen staging protests before my house and trying to damage my image by alleging that I had been bought over for Rs 50 crore. They hurt me very badly. Instead, I should have been called for a discussion. I condemn this resort-politics, it is very bad. They should call the MLAs for discussions and settle their issues. But they have not given them any time. There is a sugar factory to be opened in Chincholi taluk, but nothing has moved so far. The lift irrigation project in lower Mullamari is also hanging fire.
Priyank Kharge has said the protests were staged not only before your home, but before the homes of other dissident MLAs as well.
Let him tell us whether the protests were held in front of Ramesh Jarkiholi’s house? Why are they targeting only a few people? You can see the video clippings. The protesters (in front of his residence) are people, who were given Zilla Panchayat ticket three times in my constituency against my wishes and were defeated. They want me to quit the Congress so they can contest.
Priyank Kharge has remarked that you have forgotten the hard times you faced to become a legislator.
I was not interested in entering politics, but was called by Dharam Singh sab to quit my government job. He was instrumental in my becoming an MLA. I have sacrificed my beautiful and pleasant life for the sake of the Congress. I was told I should join the party as no Congressman had won from Chincholi for a long time and contest from it as my father, who was a freedom fighter, had a good reputation there. Mr Priyank doesn’t know this. I had never met him before becoming an MLA, though I was in touch with Kharge saab (senior). They should thank me for joining the Congress and contesting on its ticket.
Priyank Kharge says his family is not applauded for the good things they do in the district, but only gets brickbats when things go wrong.
No, he is wrong, nobody blames him. Let him provide the evidence.
He feels you must learn from the experience of senior leaders like Malikayya Guttedar and Baburao Chavan, who quit the Congress recently as otherwise you too could meet their fate.
It was said in Chincholi that nobody could get elected consecutively for two terms as after Devendrappa Galappa, no one was elected for more than two terms in 40 years. I have proved this wrong. We are with the people and I am confident that wherever we go they will be with us. Mr Priyank Kharge should not say this. I don’t know what prompted him to. He should not equate me with them ( Guttedar and Chinchansur ).
