Nagpur: Ex MP
Nana Patole, who quit the BJP and returned to the Congress in December last year, has been appointed chairman of Kisan Khet Mazdoor Congress of AICC. A letter issued by AICC general secretary Ashok Gehlot on Friday said the appointment was made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi.
The move has left many in quandary and wondering whether he was sidelined with a high-sounding all-India post with little political significance, or it was a big promotion as his supporters claimed.
With the Congress house divided as it is always, some party men saw it as pandpicking by Rahul himself to strengthen a little known frontal organization of the party to increase support among farmers and farm labourers who make up for a huge voter base. But there are others who felt that Patole was sidelined for taking on state unit president Ashok Chavan directly and indirectly ever since his return to the Congress.
“We know how passionate he is about issues related to farming . In fact he became the first BJP MP to rebel against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and quit the BJP as he felt farmers were not getting justice in Modi regime,” said Patole supporter Prasahnt Pawar. “He can now be part of highest decision-making body, the Congress Working Committee, too,” he added.
However, the other section claimed the post was not that significant and such unit heads are never part of CWC. “ Patole is a restless person who seldom cares for party discipline and looks for some opportunity to make his presence felt. I am sure he will now show his real nature and start working against Chavan with renewed vigour,” a senior Congress leader who did not want to be named.
Patole could not be reached for comment as he was away in Bhandara, his home district. Of late he remained in news by announcing that he would not mind contesting from Nagpur Lok Sabha seat. His name also figured as an aspirant for state unit president post replacing Chavan.
