In the last five consecutive Lok Sabha polls, if there was one constituency which BJP would describe as a cakewalk, it was Jalna which has been represented by senior leader and Union Minister Raosaheb Jalna. Today, however, the term ‘cakewalk’ has been replaced with ‘will manage.’
Five-term BJP leader Danve is poised for a straight fight against former Congress MLA Kalyan Kale. While Maratha reservation is a factor at play in the steel hub Jalna, the Antarwali Saarathi village in the district became the epicentre of Maratha agitation led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil. With strong Maratha reservation undercurrents against ruling BJP, Danve is confronted with hurdles in his home ground.
Reckoning the challenge, Danve has embarked on a swirling door-to-door campaign to reach out to both Marathas as well as alliance partners Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) to keep his electoral base intact.
In 2019, BJP was in alliance with the undivided Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray. Following the split, Shiv Sena’s overall strength has declined. Moreover, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) is not sharing very cordial relations with BJP in the district.
Or else, how does one explain Danve reaching out to Shiv Sena leader Arjun Khotkar who had kept away from the campaign. Khotkar, seen close to Jarange Patil, was a mediator who played a role in ending Jarange-Patil’s indefinite fast and protest last September 2023.
A BJP functionary, requesting anonymity said, “Danve, who is himself a Maratha, has painstakingly worked to assuage the anger among Jarange Patil followers.” The worry for the party is the lukewarm response from Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s supporters to BJP candidates’ campaign.
The Congress has fielded Kalyan Kale, who it believes will be able to give a tough fight to seasoned BJP leader Danve. In the 2009 Lok Sabha polls, Jalna saw the same contest between BJP’s Danve and Congress’ Kale. While Danve polled 44 per cent of the total votes polled, Kale polled 42 per cent. The victory was by a narrow margin.
While Danve speaks of PM Narendra Modi’s ten years of good governance, Kale counters by accusing his opponent for banking on emotive planks like Article 370 and Uniform Civil Code.
Danve says, “The people of Jalna are well aware of who brought development and growth in their district. The return of Modi promises Viksit Bharat 2047.” From Article 370 to Ram temple, PM Modi has fulfilled all the promises and aspirations of people, he asserts.
The Congress candidate counters by arguing, “In Modi rule, there is a divide between rich and poor. They whip up communal issues like Mandir, Uniform Civil Code. They fail to address unemployment and inflation.”
The polling in Jalna will be on May 13.
Starting his political career as a village sarpanch in 1978, Danve has been loyal to RSS/ BJP with strong network in rural areas. In BJP, he is often projected as the rural face with strong sense of humour, which he has often displayed in public rallies and party conclave.
The high point of his political career was his appointment as Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in the Narendra Modi government post 2014 Lok Sabha polls. However, Danve’s tenure as MoS in the first term of Modi government was short-lived. He had to resign and take charge as Maharashtra BJP president in January 2015. The decision was necessitated following the then state BJP president Devendra Fadnavis becoming the first BJP CM of Maharashtra after Assembly polls in November 2014.
In the subsequent Lok Sabha polls held in 2019, Danve contested and won from Jalna. He was made MoS Consumer Affairs, Food and Public distribution. He held this portfolio till July 2021. In the reshuffle at Centre, Danve was appointed MoS railways, coals and mines from July 2021 till date.
The senior BJP leader contested the Lok Sabha elections for the first time in 1999 from Jalna and won. In successive elections held in 2004, 2009, 2014 and 2019, he contested from Jalna and won. Earlier, Danve was elected MLA in 1990 and 1995. He has served as state BJP vice-president and Jalna district chief in the past.
The Jalna Lok Sabha constituency has six assembly seats. They are Jalna–Kailash Gorantal (Congress); Badnapur–Narayan Kuche (BJP); Bhokardhan–Santosh Patil (BJP); Sillod–Abdul Sattar (Shiv Sena Shinde faction); Phulambri–Haribhau Rathod (BJP); Paithan– Sandipan Bhumre (Shiv Sena Shinde faction). With three BJP MLAs, two Shiv Sena Shinde faction MLAs and one Congress MLA, the ruling combine has greater representation in the parliamentary constituency.