Mumbai, Feb 18 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Congress has resolved to establish an inquiry committee to investigate the party's challenges in Chandrapur, where it emerged as the single largest party in the municipal corporation elections but ultimately lost the Mayoral election to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This unexpected outcome led to a victory for the BJP. A meeting of the political affairs committee of the party’s state unit took place in Mumbai on Wednesday to deliberate on the next steps.

The committee's formation aims to explore the causes behind the electoral defeat, particularly whether internal conflicts among local leaders contributed to the loss. A senior party leader who participated in the meeting stated, “The findings will be forwarded to the All India Congress Committee.”

Following the meeting, Maharashtra Congress in-charge Ramesh Chennithala addressed a press conference, downplaying the situation.

“Although there were discussions with our MVA ally Shiv Sena - UBT to back Congress for the Mayor's position, they unexpectedly supported the BJP at the last moment. However, we assisted them in Parbhani to prevent BJP from gaining power. There are no internal disputes within the Congress in Chandrapur, and we consulted all stakeholders,” he affirmed.

Internal divisions between Congress Lok Sabha MP Pratibha Dhanorkar and Congress legislative party leader Vijay Wadettiwar resulted in two factions among the elected Congress corporators in Chandrapur.

Despite attempts by state leadership to mediate, the infighting persisted, culminating in Wadettiwar taking his faction of corporators to Delhi, accompanied by party observers. On the Mayoral election day, despite Congress's efforts to reconcile, the Shiv Sena-UBT aligned with the BJP, leading to a BJP mayor and a deputy mayor position for themselves.

Chennithala also announced that the party would organize protests to hold the Mahayuti government accountable on various pressing issues, including farmers’ struggles, unemployment, women's safety, and the worsening law and order situation.

During the press conference, he claimed that the BJP governments at both the Centre and state are engaged in political maneuvering under the guise of development.

Chennithala remarked on the recent local self-government elections, accusing the ruling BJP-led alliance of extensive misuse of administrative resources and substantial financial expenditures.

He raised questions regarding the origins of this money and accused the ruling party of undermining democracy. He praised Congress workers for their perseverance against oppression under challenging circumstances, achieving commendable results.

Further, he alleged that the BJP government is embroiled in corruption and that investments are flowing to neighboring Gujarat instead of Maharashtra.

He criticized Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his lack of focus on state development, asserting that he is preoccupied with politics and internal conflicts.

Regarding the aircraft incident involving Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Chennithala expressed his condolences.

“If Ajit Pawar’s family has requested a CBI inquiry, the Central government should ensure such an investigation,” he said.

On the subject of the Rajya Sabha elections, he indicated that no one has approached the Congress party yet, and any proposal will be considered after discussions with party leadership.