Patole's statement exposes cracks in Maha Vikas Agadhi

Maharashtra Congress president had on Tuesday said he was being watched. Though he did not throw more light on the issue, there was little for anyone to guess as that he was referring to coalition partners Shiv Sena and NCP.

Mumbai: The fact that not all is well in the Maha Vikas Aghadi government became further evident on Tuesday as Maharashtra's Congress president Nana Patole said "he was being watched". According to sources, Congress workers have told Patole that the NCP leaders were not cooperating with them. Patole responded by instructing the party workers in Pune to work on their own and strengthen the party. He even said he was ready to contest the elections on his own.

When asked, Sharad Pawar said, "I won't respond to statements made by small leaders." He told reporters that he will respond only if Sonia Gandhi, the chief of the Congress party - part of the MVA coalition - says something. Following Pawar's statement, Patole blamed the media saying his statements were being distorted. "I have not made any allegations against anyone," he said, adding he was only speaking about strengthening his party.

Sharad Pawar with HK Patil and other leaders

Another Congress leader from Mumbai Bhai Jagtap has on several occasions said that the grand old party will contest elections in Mumbai on its own. By arranging agitation against the incumbent BJP administration in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, he has already begun preparations for the civic body polls slated for next year.

The BJP on the other hand is cashing in on the rift within the MVA. BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhyay said Pawar's statement was an insult to the Congress. Former Maharashtra government and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis said the 'infighting' in the government, between the NCP and Shiv Sena leaders may have been prompted to keep any eye on Patole as the Congress looks all set to fight the civic body polls alone.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar and political strategist Prashant Kishor have met thrice. Kishor also met Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Tuesday. When three strong parties stitch an alliance, conflicting statements and lack of coordination is imminent. To resolve these issues, the Congress on Tuesday convened a meeting of key leaders. The meeting was chaired by Patole and attended by Patil. Later, Patil backed and seconded Patole saying his statements were distorted and aired by the media. Patil also said all issues in the coalition government were resolved. Patil also met with Pawar at the latter's residence. Revenue minister Balasaheb Thorat and PWD minister Ashok Chavan were present during the meeting.