Nagpur: Senior Congress neta and former leader of opposition Vijay Wadettiwar said he stands by his Friday's statement that responsibility for the assembly polls debacle lies with the state leadership. Wadettiwar taking on Congress' state president Nana Patole is part of a long ongoing ‘cold war' between the two Vidarbha leaders, who share an aggressive streak in their political sphere.
On media reports of Patole offering to resign, Wadettiwar played it safe. Speaking to the media in Nagpur, Wadettiwar said, "I am not aware of this (Patole's resignation offer). I have heard it from media only."
About his statement that Patole being responsible for assembly poll debacle, Wadettiwar said, "I said this yesterday too, and I am repeating that whoever is the state party president, they have to take responsibility for both loss and victory. During Parliamentary polls we did the same thing, he (Patole) got the credit for victory, which is on expected lines that as state president he will get the credit. That is why now the responsibility of assembly poll loss is also his. And everyone is saying this. So, maybe in view of all this Patole has offered to resign and high command will take the decision."
Wadettiwar also said that he expects the govt to follow through on promises made to farmers. Wadettiwar said, "Farmers are facing multiple issues and rising debts are their top concern. The govt has to ensure loan waiver for all farmers as promised earlier."
The winter session of assembly starts from Monday and scheduled to continue for a week.