BJP faction working to unseat Fadnavis: Patole

Nagpur: As Maharashtra heads into an intense phase of municipal elections, senior Congress leader Nana Patole on Monday claimed that a faction within the BJP was actively working to unseat CM Devendra Fadnavis, setting off fresh political speculation and sharpening the tone of the campaign.Speaking to the media, the former MPCC president said the internal churn within the BJP was no secret and that the CM was fully aware of it. "Where and how campaigns are being run against the CM within the BJP, and which group is active to remove him, is even known to Fadnavis," he said.Patole, the Sakoli MLA, linked the alleged internal discord to developments following the formation of the Mahayuti govt. He referred to senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar, saying he expressed unhappiness after not being inducted into the cabinet initially. "Whatever is going on with Mungantiwar, Fadnavis has complete knowledge of it," Patole claimed.According to the Congress leader, the situation could escalate in the coming months. "In the days ahead, a major explosion of power struggle will be seen within the BJP," he said. Patole's remarks, made at the height of civic election campaigning, triggered sharp reactions across political circles.Asked about Union minister Narayan Rane's recent remarks hinting at retirement from politics, Patole used the opportunity to take a swipe at BJP leaders. He said other senior leaders should "take inspiration" from Rane's statement, a comment widely seen as a political gibe rather than an endorsement.Patole was also questioned about allegations that pressure was exerted on candidates to withdraw nomination papers, allegedly involving the Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. "The Speaker's position is a constitutional one, and justice is expected from it," he said cautiously, adding that such offices must be occupied by "the right person", before declining to elaborate further.