Udayanraje Bhosale: Nothing wrong with ambition, but rivalry must not turn into clashes

MP Udayanraje Bhosale on Sunday spoke on the political activity surrounding the district bank election. He said everyone in politics has some ambition, and asked what was wrong in holding it or in contesting an election. He also said this ambition should not turn into mutual conflict.

Voting was under way for the board of directors of the District Central Cooperative Bank. Udayanraje arrived at a polling centre in Satara city, where he spoke to the media and gave his views on the election and on political ambition.

Nine seats in the bank election have already been decided unopposed. Votes are being cast for the remaining twelve seats. Supporters of the district's prominent political leaders are pitted against one another in the contest. In some places it has taken on the air of a battle for political prestige, and differences have come out in the open at the local level.

Udayanraje said contesting an election is everyone's right. It is natural to wish to rise in politics, so there is no need to view anyone's ambition with suspicion. He also indicated that while there may be political competition, leaders should take care that it does not breed bitterness and conflict.

Udayanraje made clear that he has no connection with the political disputes under way locally over the Zilla Parishad and the district bank. He did not side with any faction. His remarks suggested that he does not want to be dragged into the tussle.

The district's political equations are changing. Against this backdrop, Udayanraje appealed to all to show restraint. In political circles, his role in the district bank election is now being discussed, along with the distance he has kept from local political conflict.