Setting the Example on Power

MPCC is by and large a united party. But the fact remains that the party has to operate in a State different regions of which are characterised by diverse economic conditions. Western Maharashtra, Rat- nagiri excepted, is well off compared to poor Marathwada. Western Maharashtra, the stronghold of the Marathas, and especially the two districts of Satara and Sangli, has also been in the forefront of State politics. But Vidarbha has staked its claims for a larger share in the State Government, especially in view of the rout of the secessionist elements in the region. And like Vidarbha, Marathwada too has been asserting itself. So tensions cannot be kept out altogether, though they have not come to the surface yet. Already there are gentle ripples. These have been caused both by conflicts of personalities and of regional interests. The first certainly let to the loss of a couple of prestige seats for Y B Chavan and at least -one for Naik. In fact the opposition could have exploited personal conflicts in the ruling party far more if it had been able to avoid triangular contests.