Saamna editorial was in national interest: Patole

Nagpur: Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna’s editorial emphasizing the need to keep Congress as part of a united opposition to keep ‘fascist’ forces at bay, has come in for some superlative praise from the latter’s state unit president Nana Patole. When questioned whether Saamna editorial was written with vested interest to keep the Maha Vikas Aghadi intact, Patole said, “Saamna’s editorial was in national interest, not political.”
The editorial comes after West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee questioned the Congress-led UPA’s existence. Mamata’s statements about the Congress come at a time when her party is now looking to play a bigger role in national politics. The sweeping victory of TMC in the West Bengal assembly polls despite BJP throwing all its might, has got many political pundits talking about Mamata’s party spreading its reach in other states.
But Saamna’s editorial says this may not be a good idea, if it means replacing the Congress. “The last decade of Congress’ downward spiral is worrying, but plans to prevent its rise and take Congress’ place is risky,” the editorial mentioned.
On his arrival at Nagpur airport, a visibily pleased Patole said, “All political parties have to take a stand on whether they want to be with those who are trying to save the nation or those trying to sell it. BJP is selling public properties (companies), not allowing a discussion on China’s encroachment in Arunachal Pradesh, destroying the country’s democratic values. Saamna’s article is very apt because only Congress can save the country now.”
The third major member of MVA too agreed with Saamna’s editorial. State cabinet minister and NCP leader Nawab Malik said, “For over a year now, our party’s founder Sharad Pawar has been saying that a pan-India opposition front needs to readied to fight the BJP. And he has always said without Congress such a front cannot be thought of. We firmly believe that the Congress needs to be part of a united front going forward.”
Malik also said that parties outside the UPA too need to be part of this. “Such parties have around 150 Lok Sabha seats and Pawar saheb has for long been calling for a united opposition. In the near future there will be a united opposition front and who will lead that is not of immediate concern. In fact, a suggestion being floated was that collective leadership should be the way ahead,” said Malik.