Nagpur: Congress candidate for Nagpur Lok Sabha seat Nana Patole on Saturday justified party’s decision to field him from the city. “When Narendra Modi, hailing from Gujarat, can fight election from Varanasi then why I should not contesting from Nagpur even though I belonged to Bhandara-Gondia constituency.”
Addressing a press conference at Civil Lines-based Press Club on Saturday, Patole launched a scathing attack on BJP. “Development is talking point in Nagpur. But Nagpur Municipal Corporation is no more a self-governing body. The Nagpur has become a city of scams. The concept of Mihan was the brainchild of former Union Minister Vilas Muttemwar. Ramdevbaba was provided prime land at no cost. People’s hard earned money is being looted. The Union Minister talks about IQ but people of Nagpur have been facing enormous hardships in their day to day life. Gadkari should answer this,” Patole said.
Patole further said that NMC burdened people by increasing taxes by more than 10 percent. Gadkari should also come out with accounts of money and well as works he had done. “BJP is seeking votes in the name of martyrs. Pakistan and China want Narendra Modi to become Prime Minister again. China has spread its tentacles till Arunachal Pradesh. Chinese made goods have flooded the Indian markets. But still the dreaded terrorist Azhar Masood is being given clean chit by China. Furthermore, judiciary is in danger in our country. Supreme Court judges too are holding press conference in the rule of this government. Modi Government withdrew reserve fund of Rs 27,000 crore from Reserve Bank of India. Protecting Constitution is our duty,” the Congress nominee stated.
Replying to a question on he being from Bhandara-Gondia constituency and fighting Lok Sabha poll from Nagpur, Patole countered by saying, “When Modi could contest from Varanasi then why I should not from Nagpur. My home is in Nagpur. My children study in Nagpur. I am voter from the city. Patole said he will win Nagpur seat hands down and that development of Mihan will be given top priority. “The key to development of Vidarbha is Mihan.”
Taking on the BJP Government, Patole said that suicides by farmers, jobless youths and traders increased during its rule. “Health services in Nagpur have taken a hit. Not a single brick has been put on the AIIMS. Taxes are being levied exorbitantly. After my win, which is certain, jobs will be created in Mihan. The 99 percent of scheduled caste community in North Nagpur has extended support to me. They are very conscious, vigilant people. The opponents have tried to create vicious atmosphere against me over Khairanji issue but will be handled politically. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi will be in Nagpur on April 4 or 6 for campaigning,” Patole said.
“I have always been supporter of separate Vidarbha. In the 2014 election, BJP manifesto had promised separate Vidarbha state. But now talk of destroying Vidarbha. BJP leaders have been afflicted by arrogance, haughtiness. Prime Minister Modi talks of Make in India but the statue of Vallabhbhai Patel has been helped by China. Moreover, Modi never sold tea as is being propagated. Inflation is increasing with the hike in fuel prices,” he charged.
The City Congress President Vikas Thakre said, “Gadkari hailed from Dhapewada but still fights election from Nagpur. A wave of happiness is riding among Congress workers over candidature of Nana Patole. Nana has been accepted by all. Gadkari has not done any significant development. A leader is never powerful. People are powerful. Demonetisation broke the back of traders. Sailing of boat in Nag River was being talked but it turned out be a jumla too.
Those present at the press conference include City Congress President Vikas Thakre, Vishal Muttemwar, senior Corporator Praful Gudadhe Patil, Abhijit Wanjari, Atul Londhe and others.
