Maharashtra: Nana Patole says will resolve the reservation issue if Congress comes to power

File Photo/PTI

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Nana Patole Monday said that his party will resolve the reservation issue if it comes to power. He also criticized the current government for not taking adequate measures to address the drought situation. Patole also raised questions about corruption and safety issues associated with the Samriddhi Highway.

He was speaking to reporters at Tilak Bhavan here.

Patole criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for making empty promises regarding reservations to Maratha, OBC, and Dhangar communities since 2014. He asserted that if Congress comes to power, they will conduct a caste-wise census to resolve the reservation issue. Patole emphasized that the BJP government has failed to deliver on its promises and has created disputes between communities over reservation.

He expressed his concern about the severe drought conditions in various parts of the state, particularly in Marathwada. He accused the government of not taking the issue seriously and failing to discuss it adequately in cabinet meetings. Patole highlighted the critical need for drinking water and animal fodder, asserting that farmers, workers, and common people are suffering due to the government's inaction.

Also read: BJP alleges Congress' illegal fund collection in Bengaluru cash seizure

Drawing attention to a controversial land scam mentioned in former IPS officer Meera Borvankar's book, Patole demanded clarity on the identity of the guardian minister referred to as 'Dada' in the book. He expressed concern about the apparent pressure on 'Dada' in relation to the scam and questioned the government's role in the matter. Patole also criticized the government's handling of the police administration, citing alleged political interference in appointing the Director General of Police.

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and chief of his faction of the Nationalist Congress Party Ajit Pawar dismissed the allegations of Borwankar regarding the selling of land to a private party and said that he had no connection with this issue. Pawar said that the guardian ministers of the district do not have the right to buy the land, ANI reported.

A statement from Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's office also noted that such matters go to the Revenue Department before placing them before the State Cabinet and the Cabinet takes the final decision on it.

Meanwhile, in the wake of a tragic accident on the Samriddhi Highway in Vaijapur that claimed 12 lives, Patole voiced his anger and called attention to the alarming statistics of accidents on the highway. He questioned the government's response to these incidents, citing numerous announced investigations with no apparent follow-through. Patole expressed concerns about safety both at home and on the streets during the BJP-led Shinde government.