Nagpur: After the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s success in the Legislative Council graduates’ constituency elections, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the Mahayuti government. He claimed that the results had opened the eyes of the BJP, which was intoxicated by power, and reflected growing discontent among young people and farmers.
“The Mahayuti government’s days of returning have begun. From the Sangh’s stronghold itself, the youth have raised the slogan of ‘Go back BJP’,” Wadettiwar said in a jibe at the ruling alliance.
Referring to the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s victories in three graduates’ constituencies, he said the alliance had succeeded in constituencies where voter turnout was higher, while the Mahayuti had won in constituencies with lower turnout. He said the results reflected public anger and opposition to the arrogance of those in power. Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he said both had been forced to delete their tweets.
Jibe at Mahayuti infighting
Speaking about the allegations and counter-allegations among Mahayuti constituents, Wadettiwar sarcastically said, “All we can say is, ‘Live happily together.’” He said the parties had come together only to remain in power and were now engaged in “tit-for-tat” exchanges.
Government targeted over OBC reservation
Commenting on the Supreme Court’s decision concerning elections to local self-government institutions, Wadettiwar raised the issue of OBC reservation. He claimed that the political representation of OBCs was being affected and that his party had lost around 60% of its seats in gram panchayats. He also expressed concern that the OBC community could suffer losses in the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections.
Wadettiwar said the government had firmly stated that reservation would not be reduced, but there was still no final resolution in the matter and several petitions were pending. “We are not opposed to elections, but the OBC community must get its rightful reservation quota. If elections are being held by reducing OBC representation, then the government’s stand is anti-OBC,” he said.
Demand for elections using ballot papers instead of EVMs
Questioning the transparency of the electoral process, Wadettiwar reiterated his demand that all elections be conducted using ballot papers. He said the government should decide to hold voting on ballot papers to remove the doubts in the public mind about EVMs. He also claimed that such a decision would cause a major political setback to the Modi government.
Criticism of Nitesh Rane; voters credited for Vangari’s victory
Reacting to a statement by BJP MLA Nitesh Rane, Wadettiwar criticised him, saying his political knowledge was limited. He said the result in the Nagpur graduates’ constituency was the outcome of anti-BJP voting. He also claimed that Abhijit Vangari would have been elected in the first round itself if Nitesh Karale had not been in the contest.
Wadettiwar said Abhijit Vangari had consistently raised the issues of young people, the unemployed and the public in the Legislative Council. Voters recognised the need for his presence and ensured his victory, he said. He described the win as a verdict delivered by people power against money power and the arrogance of those in power.
India bloc warns of agitation
Wadettiwar said Rahul Gandhi and the India bloc had launched a struggle to save democracy in the country. He expressed confidence that a large number of citizens would participate in the agitation scheduled to be held in Delhi on the first of the month. He also said the India bloc was preparing an impeachment motion, demanding the removal of the Election Commissioners from office.
He said the struggle would continue over alleged irregularities in the electoral process and the autonomy of democratic institutions.
Overall, Wadettiwar claimed that the Legislative Council election results were an indication of public discontent with the Mahayuti government and targeted the ruling parties over the upcoming local self-government elections, OBC reservation and EVMs.
