Maharashtra: Movements of all politicians tracked, it’s their duty, says Nana Patole

MUMBAI: Nana Patole’s statement on his movements being reported to the CM and Dy CM caused embarrassment to the MVA government on Monday. A senior Congress minister told TOI, “We have huge differences, but people like Patole are creating even more problems for smooth functioning of the government. It is high time they observe restraint.”
Addressing a district-level convention of the Congress at Lonavala on July 9, Patole had alleged he was under watch and his movements were being informed to the CM and deputy CM. Patole on Monday said in his clarification, “I explained to our party workers the role of law-enforcing agencies. Long ago, efforts were made to ensure I do not enter my own constituency. My information is that police personnel give a daily briefing on my movements to both the CM and DCM. In fact, they are tracking movements of all politicians, it is part of their duty. It is a regular process, they even keep track of the movements of CM and Dy CM for security reasons.”
Patole reiterated that his phone was under surveillance for a long period in 2016 and 2017, when the BJP was in power in the state, along with the phones of several other politicians. “For the phone-tapping agencies, my name was Amzad Khan. Following my complaint, the home department has now set up a three-member committee to probe the phone-tapping episode,” Patole said.
Patole made it clear there was no threat to the MVA government and it will complete its term. “ Thackeray will remain in office for five years. The BJP is making efforts to destabilize the government, but it will not succeed,” Patole said.
However, senior cabinet members said that in the recent past, the Congress high command has had to face embarrassing situations owing to Patole’s remarks. In the recent past, he said that the Congress will contest future elections on its own while the party high command has not taken any such decision, a cabinet member said.
NCP spokesperson and minister Nawab Malik said Patole was making wild statements without doing adequate homework. “I think Patole will have to secure more information on the role and duty of law- enforcing agencies,” he said.