Congress-yukt BJP: Harshwardhan Sapkal Critiques Ruling Party's Leadership Crisis

Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly enticing Congress leaders to switch sides. He claimed that instead of achieving a "Congress-mukt Bharat," the BJP is becoming "Congress-yukt" by attracting Congress members. Sapkal's comments followed former Jalna MLA Kailash Gorantyal's resignation from the Congress, hinting at joining the BJP.

Sapkal accused the BJP of using intimidation and allurements to weaken the Congress. He stated, "It is shameful that the BJP is resorting to tactics of intimidation and allurements to break the Congress. This only proves that the BJP is facing a leadership crisis." He also dismissed rumours about veteran leader Prithviraj Chavan joining the BJP, calling them baseless.

Allegations Against BJP-led Government

The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief alleged that the BJP-led government misuses public funds for political purposes. Sapkal claimed involvement in a Rs 2,000 crore scam related to the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway and a Rs 3,000 crore scam in the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project. He accused the government of failing farmers amid falling soybean prices and rising suicides due to unfulfilled loan waivers.

Sapkal criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for not seeking Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate's resignation after being caught playing rummy on his phone during a legislative assembly session. He described Fadnavis as "the weakest and most unsuccessful chief minister" and accused the Mahayuti government of shamelessness.

Concerns Over Law and Order

During a visit to Akola, Sapkal addressed reporters about an incident involving Rohit Paithankar, who was allegedly abducted and beaten over cow theft suspicions. A video of this incident went viral on social media. Sapkal said, "The incident has exposed the law and order situation in the state." He demanded strict action against those responsible.

Sapkal further alleged that mob lynching incidents have become common under the current government. He stated, "There is no law and order left in the state. Incidents of mob lynching have become common and the attack on Rohit Paithankar is also that kind of incident." He accused the Mahayuti government of encouraging such incidents.

In meetings with Congress office-bearers from Jalna, Beed, and Parbhani districts, Sapkal discussed these issues further. He emphasised that those leaving Congress often make baseless allegations against their former party. Sapkal remarked that individuals like Gorantyal had benefited from Congress but now criticise it after losing support during elections.

With inputs from PTI