Exclusive | Lok Sabha elections 2024: Onion problem blown out of proportion, says Hemant Godse

Hemant Godse. Pic/Ashish Raje

Fifty-three-year-old Hemant Tukaram Godse is a sitting and outgoing two-time Member of Parliament (MP). Godse has won over the powerful Bhujbal family in the past two elections. In 2009, Godse first contested the Lok Sabha elections from MNS against NCP candidate Sameer Bhujbal but was defeated.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he defeated Chhagan Bhujbal, while in 2019, he defeated former MP Sameer Bhujbal. This time, the Bhujbal family is supporting Godse as Team Mahayuti. He is confident of his win. mid-day caught up with Godse while on a break from his hectic election schedule at his office in the Ganjmal locality of Nashik city.

There was so much confusion over the Nashik seat, which led to so much delay with very little time for campaigning and meeting people.
I have been working here in every corner of the district. I have established myself through my work. People have seen my output and results and will vote for me.

You have been a two-time MP and this time the Bhujbals are supporting you.
Yes. Please ask only specific questions.

Hemant Godse, while on a break from his hectic election campaign

There have been complaints and a lot of issues by farmers, joblessness and there is air against the government. Local issues are the key.
There is a clear categorisation of what a councillor, an MLA, and an MP can do and people tend to misunderstand it. And yes, projects have been initiated on various fronts and they take time to complete and achieve results. Work has been carried out on all fronts and the results will soon be for everyone to see.

The onion problem seems to have hit everyone and the opposition has made it into an issue.
Yes. But it is not as it is portrayed. The onion matters are handled by a group of three ministries and decisions are taken very thoughtfully in a balanced manner. Things will ease out soon, after certain corrections.

The popular Swami Shantigiri has thrown his hat in the ring. How much of an impact will be made?
He has a different and independent following and I don't think will make any impact on our poll prospects here.

You have been working on railway issues and are credited to have started the Central Railway's Mumbai Rajdhani Express via Nashik. What is the status of the Mumbai Nashik local train?
Yes. The Central Railway did not have a Rajdhani Express, unlike the Western Railway R. The Mumbai-Nashik local and improved connectivity between the two cities is a must, but there have been limitations. The tunnels are narrow the Ghat gradients are very steep. In the past 75 years, there has been no improvement. I raised a question in Parliament and was informed that the railways are working on a new alignment of the fourth and fifth lines, which will have wider tunnels and gentle gradients. The technology is now available and it is a matter of time.