In a blistering critique of the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP coalition government in Maharashtra, the state’s Congress party has decried the ongoing discussions over the Chief Minister’s post, emphasizing that the timing couldn’t be worse.
“It is deeply unfortunate that, at a time when Maharashtra is grappling with a multitude of challenges, our ruling allies are preoccupied with discussions about the Chief Minister and ministerial positions,” lamented Nana Patole, the President of Maharashtra’s Congress chapter.
Patole pointed out the dire situation in the state, where daily fatalities are occurring in government hospitals due to insufficient medical resources, farmers are burdened with distress, and some regions grapple with hailstorms while others face severe drought conditions. Astonishingly, despite the evident hardships, the government has failed to declare an official drought, contributing to rising unemployment and inflation. Patole held the BJP responsible, asserting that the party had made life increasingly arduous for the people of Maharashtra.
Underscoring their priorities, Patole stated that the Congress party is uninterested in the Chief Ministerial role and is wholly dedicated to addressing the welfare of the state’s citizens.
Patole’s remarks are of significance as they coincide with seat-sharing negotiations within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, a coalition involving the Congress, the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray, and the NCP led by Sharad Pawar.