Maharashtra Congress Leader Alleges BJP and Election Commission Collusion to Undermine Democracy (IANS Interview)

Mumbai, Dec 8 (NationPress) In the aftermath of a significant defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the state Congress president, Nana Patole, has leveled serious allegations against the BJP, claiming they have conspired with the Election Commission to undermine the essence of democracy.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Patole expressed that the election outcomes were unexpected for many as the populace intended to remove the Mahayuti government and reinstate the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) into power.

He further discussed the MVA's future electoral prospects, internal dynamics within the MVA, remarks from RSS chief regarding fertility rates, and more.

Here is the complete interview:

IANS: Were the results of the Maharashtra elections surprising to Congress? In which areas do you believe the party fell short?

Nana Patole: The citizens of Maharashtra are more shocked than we are. This is because the public was opposed to the Mahayuti and had resolved to replace the government in the state. The BJP secured victory through deception. They have colluded with the Election Commission to undermine the essence of democracy.

The Congress party's coordination was commendable. We were well-organized and chose competent candidates from the community.

The Election Commission's actions, such as inflating the vote count by 76 lakh overnight, are being scrutinized. A congressional delegation has approached the Election Commission with inquiries, but we have yet to receive a written response. We will determine our next steps after receiving a formal answer.

IANS: Mahayuti won the Assembly elections decisively. What is your response to that?

Nana Patole: We are a political party. The results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections have left the public bewildered. The populace disapproves of the misdeeds committed by Mahayuti. They were ready to oust Mahayuti from Maharashtra.

When BJP representatives from Delhi campaigned, they were not met with local support. Citizens did not attend their gatherings. Farmers were dissatisfied with Mahayuti. The general public was frustrated with rising prices, and the youth were upset about joblessness. How did this government manage to come into power under such circumstances?

In a democracy, the BJP has effectively stripped the people of their voting rights. The Election Commission and the BJP are working together to destroy the democracy of this nation in plain sight. This sentiment is widespread among the populace. The Congress party is committed to upholding the sentiments of the people and the Constitution.

IANS: If the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) had presented the Chief Ministerial candidate before the elections, do you believe the outcome would have differed?

Nana Patole: I prefer not to dwell on the past. However, the manipulation conducted by the Election Commission is detrimental to our democracy. The Congress will contest this injustice. The ECI is obstructing citizens from conducting mock polls, and some individuals have been detained. Is that treason? I have the right to ensure my vote is accurate. Yet, the government retaliates by filing cases against individuals.

IANS: Was the EVM genuinely tampered with? What is your perspective?

Nana Patole: I refrain from commenting on others' opinions. In a democracy, no leader is superior; the public holds the ultimate power. There is a growing distrust among the public. Today, the common citizen claims their vote is not secure. Our Constitution provides a system, and the Election Commission should conduct elections using ballot papers. The complete truth must be made known to the public.

Our party's leadership is aware of this situation, and therefore, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge has also demanded elections be conducted via ballot papers. I believe we have begun strategizing to address this issue.

IANS: Will Congress run independently following the loss in the Maharashtra Assembly elections?

Nana Patole: It is Congress's responsibility to unite all alliance partners. If someone chooses to separate, that is their decision. The leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) are free to make their own choices because some of their party members express conflicting views. Congress is committed to inclusivity. The BJP aims to dismantle the Constitution. Congress will not permit this to happen. We will persist in our struggle.

IANS: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), part of the INDIA coalition, is contesting elections independently in Delhi while Congress is also running solo. What is your view on this?

Nana Patole: Each party is entitled to make its own decisions. There is no issue with this. Such dynamics are part of a democracy.

IANS: Rahul Gandhi frequently addresses the topic of Veer Savarkar. Do you support his assertions that Savarkar betrayed the nation by requesting forgiveness from the British?

Nana Patole: This is not solely Rahul Gandhi's issue. The media often diverts attention from the nation's primary issues to sensationalize historical controversies. Efforts are underway to distract people from current issues through fabricated historical narratives.

China has invaded our border, yet this topic is not addressed in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress insist that discussions on inflation, unemployment, and farmers' issues should take place in Parliament. We do not engage in discussions regarding Veer Savarkar's legacy.

IANS: What is your opinion on the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh?

Nana Patole: Instead of focusing on Bangladesh, we should examine the situation in Manipur. Today, citizens within our own nation do not feel secure. There is a push to discuss the Bangladesh issue, but why is the government avoiding a discussion on Manipur?

I want to emphasize that the prevailing circumstances in the country have left people feeling unsafe. Women are being victimized and subjected to extreme violence. Shouldn't the government prioritize discussions on these issues?

IANS: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has drawn parallels between the conditions in Sambhal and Bangladesh, claiming that the attackers in both regions share the 'same DNA.' What is your perspective?

Nana Patole: As Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath is responsible for maintaining law and order. If he cannot manage law and order in his state, he should refrain from making comparisons with Bangladesh. Individuals like him should not hold such positions. They occupy their roles after taking an oath on the Constitution. They should not be discussing religion.

During the Maharashtra elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath propagated slogans such as 'Ek hai to safe hai' and 'Batenge to katenge.'

IANS: Did your party members receive invitations for the oath-taking ceremony?

Nana Patole: We did not receive any invitation. This event cannot be termed a swearing-in ceremony. The public perceives it as a coronation. What transpired at Azad Maidan was more akin to a coronation than a swearing-in ceremony for the BJP.

IANS: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's illicit properties have been released following his alliance with the Mahayuti. What do you have to say about this?

Nana Patole: I pose a question... PM Modi used to assert, 'Na khaunga na khane dunga' (I will neither engage in corruption nor allow others to do so). If this is illicit property, why has it not been surrendered to the government? How is this property being allocated to Ajit Pawar?

Money is being extracted from ordinary citizens through the GST law. Today, the populace is aware of where the money is being diverted after being extorted from them. The BJP has committed an offense by handing over illicit property to Ajit Pawar. We will take this issue to the public.

IANS: Your alliance partner, Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Azmi, has abandoned your coalition. What are your thoughts on this?

Nana Patole: We will engage in discussions with Abu Azmi and his party to understand his position.

IANS: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has advocated for a fertility rate exceeding 2.1. What is your view on this?

Nana Patole: This decision belongs to the family. Mohan Bhagwat is unmarried. Perhaps he should consider marriage himself. Instead of advising others, he should set an example. It is the mother's right to determine the number of children she wishes to have. This is not a matter for the RSS or BJP to dictate. With the rising inflation making life unbearable, do they expect people to have more children? Many, particularly women, have turned against this idea.

IANS: Will you contest the Municipal Corporation elections independently or alongside the MVA?

Nana Patole: We will make a decision after the elections are announced.

IANS: SS (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has claimed that if you had not resigned from your position as party president, the government would not have fallen two and a half years ago. What are your thoughts on this?

Nana Patole: It is commendable that he recognizes the influence I possess.

IANS: Your party lacks the numbers required for anyone from your faction to become the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. How do you perceive this?

Nana Patole: We will advocate for the public. We are confident in our dedication and efforts.

IANS: Many leaders from your party abstained from taking the oath as Assembly members. What is the reason behind this?

Nana Patole: Following the government's establishment in Maharashtra, enthusiasm was lacking among the populace. The public expressed that this government did not attain power through their votes. People are alleging that if they did not vote for this candidate, how did he receive such a significant number of votes? We are the representatives who provide justice to the public. Today, we felt compelled not to take the oath. The voice of the public must reach the Election Commission. We will convey the public's concerns to the Election Commission.

IANS: What is your perspective on law and order in Maharashtra?

Nana Patole: Devendra Fadnavis has accumulated over seven years of experience. The Home Department falls under his jurisdiction. We have informed him that law and order in the state is deteriorating. We will demand answers from the new government regarding law enforcement.

IANS: The BJP is accused of trying to eliminate regional parties. What do you think?

Nana Patole: BJP's National President J.P. Nadda has declared intentions to eradicate all regional parties. His objective is to dismantle the democratic framework.

IANS: What are your thoughts on the cash stash found on the seat of Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi in the Rajya Sabha?

Nana Patole: CCTV footage can clarify who placed the money on the table. He occupied his seat for a mere three minutes before leaving. Claims suggest he had a stash of Rs 500. Rather than making a sensational issue out of this, it is prudent for authorities to review the CCTV footage.