‘Politics Is Not Just About Power’: Khadse Calls for Social Harmony

NCP (SP) leader and former Maharashtra minister Eknath Khadse on Sunday expressed concern over the declining political atmosphere in the state, saying politics should not become merely a pursuit of power at the cost of personal relationships and social harmony.

Speaking at an event marking his 75th birthday, Khadse recalled the political environment in Maharashtra before 2014, when ruling and Opposition parties maintained cordial relations despite differences. Leaders, he said, would criticise each other politically without allowing disagreements to damage personal bonds.

“Till 2014, Maharashtra’s politics had a clean and cordial atmosphere,” Khadse said, noting that leaders from rival parties continued to interact and work together even while opposing each other.

Khadse, who was earlier with the BJP and is now an NCP (SP) MLC, said political governments and affiliations may change, but the growing hostility in political discourse was painful to witness. Recalling his early political years, he credited leaders such as Pramod Mahajan and Gopinath Munde with building the BJP’s organisation and cadre in Maharashtra.

He said the party remained committed to strengthening its workers during its years in Opposition between 2000 and 2014. Had workers shifted towards whichever party was in power, the BJP would not have been able to return to government, he observed.

Khadse stressed that politics must also focus on preserving social harmony and taking people from different sections along. He recalled receiving affection and support from leaders across party lines, including Jayant Patil, Mahadeo Jankar, Ramdas Athawale and Congress leaders.

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar described Khadse as a leader of the masses and praised his contribution to Jalgaon and Maharashtra. Pawar also recalled Khadse and Gopinath Munde’s role in expanding the BJP’s organisational base in the state.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale echoed Khadse’s call for political amity, saying there should be no permanent enmity in politics. He praised Khadse for raising issues concerning farmers, Dalits, the poor and agricultural labourers during his legislative career.