Nana Patole Steps Down as Maharashtra Congress Chief After Assembly Election Blow
In a significant political development, Nana Patole has resigned as the Maharashtra Congress president. His resignation comes in the aftermath of the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) crushing defeat in the state assembly elections. The Congress, a key ally in the MVA coalition, contested 103 seats but managed to secure only 16, reflecting a severe electoral setback.
Notably, Patole himself retained the Sakoli constituency, but with a razor-thin margin of just 208 votes. He had assumed the role of state Congress chief in 2021, replacing Balasaheb Thorat, and played a pivotal role in the party’s performance during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Under his leadership, Congress secured 13 out of the 17 seats it contested in Maharashtra, a rare bright spot for the party in recent years.
However, tensions within the MVA coalition emerged ahead of the assembly elections. Patole’s demand for a larger share of seats for Congress led to friction among coalition partners. Reports suggest that Shiv Sena (UBT), a major ally, at one point even halted seat-sharing discussions due to disagreements over Patole’s involvement.
Patole’s resignation marks a crucial turning point for Maharashtra Congress as it navigates internal challenges and coalition politics following the electoral debacle. The party now faces the task of rebuilding its base and mending strained alliances within the MVA.
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