"Atmosphere is good": BJP's Ashok Chavan ahead of daughter's election bid

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 31 : Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Chavan on Thursday spoke about his daughter's candidacy in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, his political legacy, the BJP's prospects, and ongoing Maratha concerns over reservations.
Chavan expressed optimism about his daughter's election bid, noting that she's contesting from the same constituency he represented for years.
BJP's Rajya Sabha member is confident his daughter will gain support due to the development work he accomplished in the area. "The atmosphere is good," he said. The BJP leader also added, "The constituency I have represented in the Maharashtra Assembly for many years is now the same place where the BJP has fielded my daughter as the candidate because I am now serving in the Rajya Sabha. I am confident that the good work we have done for the common people, for the general category, and the development that has taken place there--where I have nurtured it with great dedication over the years--will resonate with the people. I believe that people have great hopes, and the next generation, including my daughter, is well-trained, sensible, and educated. In the future, this region will join the vision of a developed India."
Chavan also addressed the expectations and responsibilities that come with his political legacy, acknowledging the work it requires to maintain it.
He credited his family's long-standing connection to the people and his efforts to nurture the constituency over the years. "In terms of legacy, maintaining and furthering it requires even more hard work," he said, adding that his bond with his constituents will continue through his daughter's involvement.
Discussing the BJP's performance, Chavan said that elections depend on multiple factors beyond any one individual. " An election doesn't depend on just one individual. Many factors play a role, especially in a national election. Perhaps certain areas fell short, but now with the elections coming again, we hope this time BJP will succeed. Our workers are still there; we take ownership. We never claimed that Nanded is our property; it's a developing district and doesn't depend solely on one individual." he added.
He then recalled a past time when his relationship with Ashok Gehlot was strained, and he had considered joining the BJP. Eventually, he decided to remain, and he now views his switch to a new party as a fresh start. "Everyone goes through these ups and downs," he said. "I realized it was better to make a fresh start at a new party."
On Maratha reservation issues, Chavan acknowledged lingering resentment, but he highlighted the progress made. "Many improvements have happened that perhaps people are unaware of, like the 10 percent reservation that has created job opportunities and allowed people to receive certificates they previously couldn't. Numerous positive things have been achieved, which need to be communicated to people. With that explanation, the dissatisfaction has somewhat been addressed. The remaining issues can be resolved through further dialogue."
When asked if Bhokar would finally support the BJP, Chavan expressed hope that the people's respect for him and support for his new party would yield positive results." Hope things will go well this time", he added.