Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Congress leader Nana Patole has raised questions over political conventions surrounding by-elections while reacting to the nomination of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Sunetra Pawar for the Baramati Assembly by-election.
Speaking in Nagpur, Patole referred to a long-standing political tradition followed in certain by-polls. He stated that such conventions were initiated by the Congress after the demise of senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde, where opposition parties refrained from contesting as a mark of respect.
However, he alleged that this tradition was not upheld in the current scenario. “The BJP broke it, and they filled out the forms for their candidates. I don’t know on what basis this decision was taken,” Patole remarked, questioning the rationale behind the move.
The Baramati by-election has already drawn significant political attention, given the region’s prominence in Maharashtra politics and the involvement of key leaders. The contest is being closely watched as it may reflect shifting political dynamics in the state.
In addition to his remarks on the by-election, Patole also made broader political predictions regarding upcoming elections in various states. He expressed confidence that the Congress and its alliance partners would come to power in Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and Assam, signaling optimism within the party ranks.
He also projected continued dominance of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal. “Mamata Banerjee’s government will come into power in West Bengal,” he stated, indicating support for regional alliances against the BJP.
Patole’s comments reflect the Congress party’s dual strategy of challenging the ruling party on political conventions while simultaneously projecting confidence in its electoral prospects across multiple states.
The statements come at a time when political rhetoric is intensifying nationwide, with leaders making strong assertions about alliances, electoral strategies, and governance models.
Patole’s remarks highlight the ongoing debate over political ethics in by-elections while also underscoring the opposition’s broader ambition to regain ground across key states in the country.
