Kolhapur: Shahu Chhatrapati, scion of the Kolhapur royal family, has said he chose Congress for his electoral debut as he draws inspiration from his grandfather Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, who is highly respected among all sections of the society for his bold social reforms. Was a person.
The 76-year-old, who will take on sitting Kolhapur MP Sanjay Mandlik of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, said in an interview that although this is his political debut, he has been in touch with politics for a long time.
“I’ve always been on the periphery of it,” he said.
About contesting the elections on a Congress ticket, he said, "It is the oldest political organization in the country and an all-India party, which is associated with the freedom movement."
Shahu Chhatrapati said, “We have to maintain democracy in India, which everyone feels is under threat.The Constitution needs to be protected."
He said there are "alarm bells" as local body elections have not been held for many years.
He stressed, "What if something goes wrong? We have to protect democracy and the Constitution. This is most important. Democracy has to be protected which is the basis of everything.,
On the importance of the Kolhapur royal family of Maharashtra, he said that its members are considered dedicated to the interests of the people and should work for their welfare.
The septuagenarian, a highly respected man in the district, said Kolhapoo flourished because of his visionary great grandfather Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, whom he described as the focal point of equality.
Shah Chhatrapati said, "My great grandfather was a distinguished social reformer and advocated all-inclusive development. He never encouraged polarization of people. He worked for socio-economic upliftment and I take inspiration from him.,
The Congress candidate, a graduate in History, Economics and English, said he wants to carry forward his grandfather's legacy of fighting injustice and bringing public welfare.
Shahu Chhatrapati, who is associated with educational institutions and charitable trusts created by Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj and his late father Shahaj Chhatrapati, said he disagrees with the BJP that the Congress has done nothing for the development of the country.
He said, the contribution of Congress for more than six decades after independence cannot be denied, be it economic development or development of nuclear energy.
Shah Chhatrapati claimed, in fact, it is the BJP which has not fulfilled any of its promises.
Stating that there was no pressure on him not to contest the elections, he said that even if that happens, he will not have any problem.Speaking about his campaign, Sahu Chhatrapati said that his family members are spread across the constituency and each of them has a defined role.
He said, "It is very heartening that the people of Kolhapur are coming to the office asking how they can contribute to my campaign. I am addressing meetings and highlighting the Congress manifesto, which will appeal to all sections of the society. Guarantees the welfare of the classes."
Shahu Chhatrapati refused to comment on sitting MP Mandlik's recent comment that he was not the "rightful heir" as he was adopted.
"I don't know anything about this," he said, sidestepping the topic.
Elections for 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra will be held in five phases from April 19 to May 20.Voting will be held in Kolhapur parliamentary constituency on 7th May.
The 76-year-old, who will take on sitting Kolhapur MP Sanjay Mandlik of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, said in an interview that although this is his political debut, he has been in touch with politics for a long time.
“I’ve always been on the periphery of it,” he said.
About contesting the elections on a Congress ticket, he said, "It is the oldest political organization in the country and an all-India party, which is associated with the freedom movement."
Shahu Chhatrapati said, “We have to maintain democracy in India, which everyone feels is under threat.The Constitution needs to be protected."
He said there are "alarm bells" as local body elections have not been held for many years.
He stressed, "What if something goes wrong? We have to protect democracy and the Constitution. This is most important. Democracy has to be protected which is the basis of everything.,
On the importance of the Kolhapur royal family of Maharashtra, he said that its members are considered dedicated to the interests of the people and should work for their welfare.
The septuagenarian, a highly respected man in the district, said Kolhapoo flourished because of his visionary great grandfather Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, whom he described as the focal point of equality.
Shah Chhatrapati said, "My great grandfather was a distinguished social reformer and advocated all-inclusive development. He never encouraged polarization of people. He worked for socio-economic upliftment and I take inspiration from him.,
The Congress candidate, a graduate in History, Economics and English, said he wants to carry forward his grandfather's legacy of fighting injustice and bringing public welfare.
Shahu Chhatrapati, who is associated with educational institutions and charitable trusts created by Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj and his late father Shahaj Chhatrapati, said he disagrees with the BJP that the Congress has done nothing for the development of the country.
He said, the contribution of Congress for more than six decades after independence cannot be denied, be it economic development or development of nuclear energy.
Shah Chhatrapati claimed, in fact, it is the BJP which has not fulfilled any of its promises.
Stating that there was no pressure on him not to contest the elections, he said that even if that happens, he will not have any problem.Speaking about his campaign, Sahu Chhatrapati said that his family members are spread across the constituency and each of them has a defined role.
He said, "It is very heartening that the people of Kolhapur are coming to the office asking how they can contribute to my campaign. I am addressing meetings and highlighting the Congress manifesto, which will appeal to all sections of the society. Guarantees the welfare of the classes."
Shahu Chhatrapati refused to comment on sitting MP Mandlik's recent comment that he was not the "rightful heir" as he was adopted.
"I don't know anything about this," he said, sidestepping the topic.
Elections for 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra will be held in five phases from April 19 to May 20.Voting will be held in Kolhapur parliamentary constituency on 7th May.
