New Delhi: Days after the Maharashtra Congress Chief Nana Patole made controversial statements against the alliance partners in the state government, he has been summoned by the Congress' former President Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday, which reportedly upset the leaders of NCP and Shiv Sena. Patole met Gandhi at his residence 12 Tugalaq Lane in Delhi. Congress General Secretary incharge KC Venugopal and Maharashtra Congress incharge HK Patil were also present in the meeting.
Addressing the media, Patole said, "The meeting was held to discuss over the measures to be taken to strengthen the party in future I have received orders to work for the Congress to emerge as the largest party in Maharashtra. The high command will decide over the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections as they are three years away but for now Congress will fight alone in the local body and Municipal Elections."
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He also clarified that no discussions were being held over the Cabinet expansion. When asked about his statements against the NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, Patole replied, "Government and organization are different. It has been approved by all the parties. So this argument is over now. There is dispute within the Government."
A week earlier, a group of Congress leaders had met NCP supremo Sharad Pawar to assure him that Patole's statement won't be repeated. While speaking to ETV Bharat, Maharashtra Congress incharge HK Patil said, "We have discussed on all issues related to strengthening the party. Some have advised taking out a march immediately and that focus should be laid on all district units. Also, Congress will put in all its efforts to strengthen the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government and will make sure that it will complete its 5 years."
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"Whatever has come, is being clarified. Those issues will not come any more time," he responded to a question on Patole's statement. Other senior Congress leaders Ashok Chavan and Balasaheb Thorat have also reached the national capital. It is expected that they might also meet the top brass of the party to discuss on the matter.
