Ramesh Jadhav | Ranjani, Pune
A political debate has intensified in Ambegaon taluka, with supporters of former Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil defending his developmental record while accusing political rivals of using the recent milk adulteration case to target him without evidence.
The article argues that while aspiring politicians have every democratic right to seek public office, they should first understand the region's developmental history before criticizing long-serving leaders.
Three Decades of Transformation
According to the report, Ambegaon has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 36 years. Before 1990, the taluka reportedly had only two major asphalt roads—Pune–Nashik Highway and the Manchar–Ghodegaon road. Electricity supply depended on a single substation at Nirgudsar, often leaving villages without power for several days during the monsoon.
Residents in eastern parts of the taluka were once forced to cross the Ghod and Meena rivers by boat due to the lack of bridges, while nearly 49 water tankers were required every summer to meet drinking water needs. Ambegaon was widely known as a drought-prone region.
The article credits former MLA Dattatraya Walse Patil, former MLA B.D. Kale, and former MP Kisanrao Bankhele for laying the foundation of the taluka's development through irrigation, dams, and infrastructure projects.
Credit to Dilip Walse Patil
The report attributes the taluka's modern road network, bridges, irrigation facilities, drinking water schemes, electricity infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other public works largely to the long-term planning and sustained efforts of former minister Dilip Walse Patil.
It argues that these achievements were the result of decades of continuous work rather than overnight political success.
Milk Adulteration Case Sparks Political Row
The article says the milk adulteration case, which has dominated local headlines in recent weeks, is being used by some political opponents to tarnish Walse Patil's reputation.
It states that Walse Patil consistently maintained that anyone involved in milk adulteration—regardless of political affiliation—should face strict legal action.
According to the report:
- Police have arrested 13 accused.
- Another 13 suspects remain absconding.
- One of those arrested is reportedly the nephew of the Nationalist Congress Party's Ambegaon taluka president, Vishnu Hinge.
The article argues that these arrests demonstrate that the law has been applied without political bias.
No Interference Alleged
The report claims that Walse Patil did not interfere in the investigation despite having the political influence to do so if he had wished. It says his only public position has been that strict legal action should be taken against every person responsible for milk adulteration.
Parag Milk Foods Mentioned
The article also refers to allegations involving Parag Milk Foods, stating that inspections conducted by the Food and Drug Administration reportedly did not find any objectionable irregularities.
It further highlights the contribution of businessman Devendra Shah and his family to Ambegaon's agricultural, healthcare, and dairy sectors. According to the report, the establishment of Parag Milk Foods provided a stable market for thousands of dairy farmers and created significant rural employment.
The article also notes that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Shah's family organized meals for patients and frontline healthcare workers at a COVID care facility.
Criticism of Opposition Leader
The article criticizes Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Ramesh Yevale for allegedly using objectionable language during a protest in Manchar and suggests that personal attacks on Walse Patil do not reflect political maturity.
It further claims that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde continues to respect Walse Patil because of their years of working together in the Maharashtra cabinet.
Internal Shiv Sena Discontent
The report also discusses alleged internal dissatisfaction within the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) in Ambegaon. It claims that several long-time party office-bearers stayed away from Yevale's recent press conference at Landewadi, leading to speculation about growing discontent among veteran Shiv Sena workers.
According to the article, some party workers are unhappy that recently inducted leaders are receiving greater prominence than long-serving grassroots members.
Calls for Fact-Based Politics
The article concludes by urging political leaders to base criticism on facts rather than allegations and argues that public representatives should focus on development and public welfare instead of personal attacks.
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