Opposition against Chavan on the rise in Congress

The opposition against Prithviraj Chavan being appointed as the group leader in the legislative Assembly may come out in the open during the party’s legislative meeting on Thursday.

The opposition against Prithviraj Chavan being appointed as the group leader in the legislative Assembly may come out in the open during the party’s legislative meeting on Thursday.

The meeting will be presided by observer and senior party leader Mallikarjun Kharge and Mohan Prakash.

Senior party leader Narayan Rane has already attacked Chavan, blaming him for the drubbing in the Assembly elections.

Abdul Sattar, former minister and staunch supporter of Ashok Chavan, told the media that more than 50% of the newly-elected MLAs were upset with Chavan.

Most candidates complained about lack of coordination among senior leaders. The candidates claimed they did not receive the funds promised by the party.

Former ministers Patangrao Kadam, Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil and Balasaheb Thorat are also in the race for the post. “The resolution for the appointment of group leader will be passed on Thursday, but the decision on the leader of Opposition will be taken after we know which is the main Opposition party,” said a leader.

The party is likely to appoint a new state president. The names being considered are Narayan Rane, Ashok Chavan and Harshvardhan Patil. “The observers will hear the MLAs about their take on leadership,” said spokesperson Anant Gadgil.