The Maharashtra elections on November 20 are a critical test for the Nationalist Congress Party (SP), which is looking to avenge the split in the party last year. In an interview, NCP (SP) Maharashtra chief Jayant Patil addresses the speculation of disagreement within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) during seat-sharing talks, the Maratha agitation, and the recent statements of Ajit Pawar on an alleged irrigation scam. Excerpts:

During seat-sharing negotiations, each party put forward its point of view. We chose the best among those suggestions. In this process, there was some push by some people on five to six seats. But all that has been resolved. There is no discussion of friendly fights as well. We will take care of it. MVA’s momentum will not be damaged.

Despite the split in our party, we received a tremendous response because we are Sharad Pawar’s party. People are angry over inflation, agrarian issues, and policies on farming … There is unemployment and there are increasing atrocities against women.

To add to this, (NCP chief and Deputy CM) Ajit Pawar’s despicable statement on late (former NCP minister) R R Patil has created more anger among the voters (Ajit Pawar was targeted by the BJP for being part of the alleged Rs 70,000 crore irrigation scam. Addressing a rally at Sangli district’s Tasgaon Assembly seat, from where late R R Patil’s son Rohit is making is electoral debut on an NCP-SP ticket against the NCP’s Sanjaykaka Patil, Pawar said after the BJP won in the 2014 Assembly elections, Devendra Fadnavis, who took over as CM, showed him a file signed by R R Patil that recommended the open inquiry against him in the case. “I was very upset … This is because R R Patil was a close colleague who resorted to backstabbing,” Ajit said).

I think he himself is cornered because of it. But he has put (Deputy CM) Devendra Fadnavis in more trouble. It exposed the operating style of Fadnavis as well as the relationship of the two in the past ten years.

Had he (Fadnavis) shown the file to the Leader of the Opposition, I would have understood. But he (Ajit Pawar) was merely an Opposition MLA. You (Fadnavis) made an allegation against Ajit Pawar while in Opposition, probed him after coming to power, and showed him the file accusing R R Patil. It means that efforts have been ongoing to fuel the infighting in our party (undivided NCP) since then. Secondly, by showing him the file, Ajit Pawar was blackmailed for 10 years. It shows why again and again he wanted to go to the BJP.

It was extremely unfortunate. We all worked together for many years. We do not speak ill about Ajit dada because we have worked together. Talking against a person who cannot defend himself now is terribly wrong.

Our manifesto will be released soon. But we are planning to create a price stabilisation fund to help farmers if prices fall. We will also offer a double bonanza to the people of Maharashtra. That includes steps to help farmers, curb inflation, and welfare schemes for women.

We want to take Maharashtra forward by taking everyone with us. We are against any split between Marathas and OBCs and think that everyone should get the deserving rights. I do not think it (the Maratha reservation demand) will have any effect as people vote based on local scenarios. However, people will surely express anger against those who have made promises but not fulfilled them … The inflated confidence due to the Ladki Bahin scheme will soon be flattened.

This is not the tradition in Maharashtra. Instead of thinking about the CM candidate, it is important to bring a majority for MVA.

Not necessarily. The ability to lead is more important. We have put up a large number of women candidates as well. Ultimately ability is what matters. The first step is to achieve a majority.