Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate Parth Pawar faces a tough fight in Maval as he is pitted against Shiv Sena MP Shrirang Barne. In an interview, Parth, who is the grand-nephew of NCP chief Sharad Pawar and son of former deputy CM Ajit Pawar, says he is confident to win merely on his development agenda.

Shiv Sena and BJP have alleged that dynasty politics ensured you seat from Maval. What is your take?

This allegation is misplaced as in my seat out of six Assembly seats only one is held by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). People from Maval wanted me to run for the election and hence strongly recommended my name. They thought that by giving me a ticket all factions will come together which will help me win the Sena held the seat. People from Maval are confident that if I fight the party will win. I know it is a tough fight for me but I am prepared for it. It is not like Baramati which has been represented by grandfather Sharad Pawar, my father Ajit Pawar and my aunt Supriya Sule. However, Maval is completely a different territory as none of our family members have been here.

Saffron alliance has been repeatedly targeting the Pawar family. How will you counter it?

They feel threaten with me as I am young. They want to speak about my family but not about core issues like unemployment, ill effects of demonetization, slow pace of economic growth and farm distress. They have nothing substantial to share on such issues and hence keep attacking the Pawar family. However, I will concentrate on my development agenda for the Maval seat.

What are your priorities for Maval constituency?

I want to make Maval as industrial and global investment hub so that more and more jobs will be created. It will be my attempt to organize a global investment summit in Maval to attract domestic and foreign investments.

Maval constituency is strategically located as there is a highway from start to end. The connectivity is unbelievable. I will rope in investors to develop film studios which will create new jobs. There is every potential to develop Maval as a logistic hub due to its geographical location. Tourism is another area which has not been tapped fully. Sustainable farming will be developed with the proper mix of farmers and technology.

Currently, there is only one industrial training centre in Maval constituency. Maval will also be developed as an education hub with the establishment of more universities. I will fight for the people. I am not here to make money. I have enough of it in my life. I want to work for people.