Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole backtracks from 'under watch' comment; says 'My statements being distorted'

MUMBAI: A day after Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole claimed that his movements were under the watch of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies Shiv Sena and NCP, the leader said that his statements were being distorted.
He also said that the Opposition BJP in the state was targeting Congress and they will soon face the consequences.
"Congress is being targeted in the state by BJP. Our statements are being distorted. Congress will become the number one party in the state. Many people are miffed with our progress in the state. BJP will face consequences of fuel price hike and inflation," he said.
Patole had earlier said that the Sena and NCP feel "the ground was slipping from beneath their feet" due to the growing influence of Congress.
Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis demanded that Patole's claims be probed and that Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar must address the statement.
However, clearing the air around a cold war among the MVA allies, Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat told reporters on Tuesday that there was no rift in the parties and that the alliance is stronger than ever.
"The alliance will continue to do good work in the state," he said.
Sena leader Eknath Shinde too echoed the same statement, adding that if there were any disputes, he would like to resolve them through discussions.