Maharashtra: LoP Vijay Wadettiwar Holds Congress Chief Nana Patole Responsible For Poll Debacle

Former Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar openly criticised Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole, asserting that those who claimed credit for the party's success in the Lok Sabha elections should also take responsibility for its defeat in the Assembly elections.

Wadettiwar said, “Congress achieved significant success in the Lok Sabha elections, and Patole claimed credit for it. Naturally, the responsibility for the defeat also lies with him.”

Meanwhile, All India Congress Committee's Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala has convened a meeting of the party's newly-elected MLAs and MLCs as well as assembly poll candidates in Nagpur on December 17 to analyse the reasons for the defeat, mistakes and leadership issues. Wadettiwar emphasised that the outcomes will depend on the opinions expressed during this meeting.

After the Congress faced defeat in the Assembly elections, Patole has reportedly requested Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to relieve him from the post.

When asked about Wadettiwar’s statement, Patole said, “Every party has internal differences. Even BJP leaders talk about Fadnavis within their party. It’s the same in Congress. These internal issues are resolved at the party level, not in front of the media.”

In the past, tensions between Nana Patole and Vijay Wadettiwar have surfaced. In 2023, it was reported that supporters of Wadettiwar had lodged complaints against Patole in Delhi.