Chavan flays Cong brass for contesting only 17 seats

Nagpur: Former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan, now a BJP member, has slammed the Congress party for agreeing to contest only 17 seats in the upcoming elections, questioning the leadership’s decision-making within the state.

Addressing the media in Nagpur on Wednesday, Chavan indirectly criticized MPCC president Nana Patole, suggesting that decisions are being made without involving the senior party leaders. He emphasized the need for introspection within the Congress, particularly regarding the distribution of seats.

“Congress is the only national party in Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. If it is allocated only 17 seats and even Sangli seat has to be vacated, then the party’s leadership must reflect on this. The limited number of seats allotted to the party indicate a weakening of leadership, worsened by internal dissent and factionalism,” he remarked.

Responding to queries about the impact of his departure from the Congress, Chavan said he couldn’t predict the exact consequences but claimed that many loyal activists might leave the party due to increased factionalism.

Regarding the expulsion of senior leader Sanjay Nirupam, Chavan deemed it inappropriate, suggesting that consultations should have been made to address his grievances to prevent harm to the party’s prospects.

Commenting on Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s decision to extend unconditional support to the Mahayuti alliance in the Lok Sabha elections, the former CM believed it would benefit the three-party coalition. “A large section of people follow Thackeray. His public speeches are often crowded,” he said.

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