Nana Patole shows willingness to resign as Maharashtra Congress chief, slams 'One Nation, One Election' narrative

NAGPUR: Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Nana Patole revealed that he submitted his willingness to resign from the post of MPCC chief, taking moral responsibility for the party's poor performance in the recently concluded state elections.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the winter session of the state legislature, Patole said that senior leader Ramesh Chennithala will convene a meeting to analyse the reasons behind the electoral debacle on Tuesday evening.

"Whatever decision will be taken by senior leaders will be admissible," he said.

During the interaction, Patole also criticised the central govt’s push for the "One Nation, One Election" initiative, alleging it was an attempt to undermine the democratic framework of the country.

He argued that the move reflects the ruling dispensation's intent to centralise power and dismantle India’s federal governance structure.

"The govt is focused on consolidating power by weakening democratic institutions and processes. In the name of efficiency and resource-saving, they are pushing an agenda that will erode the constitutional rights of citizens," Patole said. He warned that such measures could severely impact public participation and accountability in governance.

Patole further accused the govt of prioritising its political agenda over addressing pressing issues faced by the public. "The One Nation, One Election idea is not just about simultaneous polls; it is about silencing diverse voices and diminishing the role of states in the democratic setup," he remarked.

With growing dissent within the Congress after its electoral setbacks, Patole's willingness to step down and the upcoming internal review meeting underscore the party's efforts to rebuild its strategy and address organisational weaknesses. His strong criticism of the govt's narrative reflects the opposition's broader concerns over the direction of India’s democratic and political future.

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.