Lok Sabha elections 2024: Won’t succumb to pressure, says Amol Kirtikar

Jail seems to be no deterrent for Amol Kirtikar, who is contesting the Mumbai North West parliamentary seat as part of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). In an exclusive conversation with mid-day, for the first time with any media house, Kirtikar claimed he would not budge under any circumstance and would contest the Lok Sabha elections from behind bars if the investigation agency proceeds with his arrest in connection with the alleged Khichdi scam during COVID-19.

Amol has been asked to appear before the ED office at Ballard Estate on April 8. On March 27, Uddhav Thackeray announced Kirtikar's candidature. Immediately after the announcement, Amol, the son of sitting Member of Parliament Gajanan Kirtikar, was issued a summons by the ED in connection with the alleged food supply scam during COVID-19. Kirtikar Sr. is with the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, but Amol refused to switch sides and continued to work with the Thackeray-led Sena.

Amol categorically stated that he has done nothing wrong and would not bow to any pressure, be it political or through investigative agencies. "Whatever money earned or received has been maintained through proper accounts. In fact, everything has been declared in income tax. The receipts were shown in earnings because these were legitimate earnings. As I have done nothing wrong, I am willing to face all questions and an inquiry, too. But, I will not succumb to any pressure tactics or quit the Thackeray-led Sena," Amol added.

Asked what if he was arrested by the ED, Kirtikar Jr. smiled and replied, "I am mentally prepared for the worst. If ED officials proceed with my arrest, I will contest parliamentary elections and campaign from behind bars to reach out to voters."

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had complained about a financial scam in the food distribution. Following the complaint, Mumbai police's EOW (Economic Offence Wing) started the investigation and simultaneously ED too got involved in the process. Earlier this year in January, Aaditya Thackeray's close aide Suraj Chavan was arrested in connection to this case. In March, ED officials summoned Amol in connection with the same case.

While Mahayuti (Shinde-Fadnavis-Pawar camp) has not been able to finalise its candidate for this Lok Sabha seat, Amol, who has been given the go-ahead, has already started his campaign. The next generation UBT camp candidate starts early morning with meeting citizens, especially senior citizens during morning walks, then meets NGOs, society members, and small groups in the first half and evening hours.

During one of his interactions with voters, Amol stated that this election is not about any individual candidate but polls to understand "Maharashtra Chi Janta Kunabarobar ahey - Uddhav saheb ki Shinde" (people of Maharashtra are with whom Uddhav Thackeray or Eknath Shinde). One promise that Amol is making during the campaign is grabbing the eyeballs in the area, "I will stay committed to my voter.

After winning, I am not going to switch parties or my affiliation to any other political leader. People have voted for me as Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena candidate. I will remain committed to the party and voter, no matter what the situation is or the price I need to pay for being a loyal Shiv Sainik."

Comparing today's political situation with the freedom struggle, Amol said that the revolution of the freedom struggle started to oust the dictatorship and with freedom fighters starting to fight the battle from jail. He reiterated that he was not a freedom fighter, but it was a collective battle and everyone's responsibility to have freedom and independence from such situations.