With resignation of Congress president Rahul Gandhi from his post on Tuesday, the fate of the party’s Maharashtra unit is also under doubt as Mr. Gandhi had reportedly accepted the resignation of State committee president Ashok Chavan.
According to senior party leaders from Maharashtra, the high command had already finalised the next president of the State unit. “The Assembly elections will be held in two months. There has to be clear directions from the leadership as to who will lead the party in the polls,” a Congress leader said.
Mr. Chavan in an interview to an English daily confirmed that his resignation had been accepted and his successor would be chosen soon. He could not be reached for a comment on Wednesday. Sources said Congress legislative party leader Balasaheb Thorat is the front runner for the State committee chief’s post, but Mr. Thorat refused to comment. Leader of Opposition Vijay Vadettiwar said the decision of the high command will be accepted by all.
The party may also have four working presidents in the State where a leader from each of the geographical regions will be chosen and given the responsibility in the Assembly polls. “A change in guard at this moment is likely to create difficulties on ground, but we can deal with that only if a decision is taken soon. The party cannot be kept on waiting mode when the elections are approaching,” the leader said.
A week ago, all senior leaders from Maharashtra held a meeting with Mr. Gandhi where he reportedly questioned them over the failure of the party in the Lok Sabha polls. He also asked as to why the party could not stop Dalit votes from being shifted to the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA).
Meanwhile, Prakash Ambedkar-led VBA on Wednesday mocked the Congress saying it is ready to give 40 seats to the Congress as it will contest 248 of the 288 Assembly seats. It has given the Congress 10 days to reply.
