16 August,2023 06:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Ronak Mastakar
Pic/Maharashtra Congress
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole expressed his confidence on Wednesday that the upcoming I-N-D-I-A alliance meeting in Mumbai would steer a new direction.
Discussions regarding the I-N-D-I-A alliance meeting scheduled for August 31 and September 1 were held during the Congress Core Committee meeting on Wednesday.
The Congress Core Committee meeting took place at the MCA Club and was attended by State President Nana Patole, former Chief Ministers Ashokrao Chavan and Sushilkumar Shinde, Telangana In-charge Manikrao Thakre, Leader of the Congress Party in the Legislative Council Satej alias Bunty Patil, State Working President and former Minister Naseem Khan, Baswaraj Patil, MLA Kunal Patil, former MP Milind Deora, Chief Spokesperson Atul Londhe, State General Secretary Devanand Pawar, Pramod More, and other leaders.
After the meeting, Nana Patole revealed that a statewide padyatra (foot march) is scheduled to commence on September 3, and the plan for this padyatra has been finalized.
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"We discussed the survey reports from all 48 Lok Sabha constituencies in the meeting. Our aim is to challenge the power of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) both at the center and in the state, and bring the Congress to power. Maharashtra embraces the ideology of Congress. If Congress and its allied parties unite for the Lok Sabha elections, they have the potential to secure 40-45 seats in the state. Congress is actively working towards this goal. Our objective is to defeat the BJP; Congress is open to forming alliances with like-minded parties," he asserted.
Patole went on to highlight the pressing issues faced by the state, including the rise in farmer distress, youth suicides, unemployment, and stagnant businesses. "The situation is dire not only in our state, but across the country. However, the BJP clings to power even as people suffer," he criticized.
Commenting on the recent meeting between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar, the Maharashtra Congress President clarified that there is no confusion within Congress regarding Sharad Pawar's stance, but there might be confusion among the general public.
"Sharad Pawar is a prominent leader, capable of making decisions, and he has affirmed his position within the I.N.D.I.A alliance. Our senior Congress leaders are carefully monitoring the situation and will engage in discussions with Sharad Pawar during the forthcoming I-N-D-I-A alliance meeting in Mumbai," Patole remarked.
Furthermore, Patole criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech. "During his address from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi erroneously attributed the inflation to external factors and absolved his government of any contribution. The Modi administration mishandled the economic situation, resulting in inflation and a weakening rupee against the dollar. By blaming external conditions, the Modi government has aggravated the people's suffering. Incidents of violence against women have also surged under this government, showcasing its failure on multiple fronts," he asserted.
Patole concluded by highlighting the growing discontent among the people towards the Modi government. He emphasized that despite this sentiment, PM Modi's assertion of returning to power reflects an arrogance that doesn't align with democratic values.
