Sun Mar 16 09:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Patole Walks Back Offer to Deputy CMs, Focuses on Farmers’ Issues and Corruption
**Bhandara:** Congress leader and former state president Nana Patole has seemingly reversed course on his previous statement offering the Chief Minister’s post to the two Deputy Chief Ministers from the Eknath Shinde-led government. While initially suggesting a potential alliance, Patole now claims his remarks were a Holi jest (“bura na mano Holi hai”).
Patole’s shift in tone follows a statement made on Holi, where he hinted at the possibility of bringing the Deputy CMs into the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. However, he now downplays the significance of his earlier comments, focusing instead on pressing issues facing the state.
The Congress leader highlighted the plight of farmers, citing problems accessing electricity pumps and the government’s failure to provide solar-powered alternatives. He also drew attention to increasing instances of man-animal conflict, unemployment among youth, soaring inflation, and the state’s mounting debt, calling it the “highest mountain” in Maharashtra.
Patole further criticized the Shinde-Fadnavis government, alleging that 65% of its ministers face corruption charges. He demanded accountability and called for the removal of these ministers, highlighting the apparent hypocrisy of the government setting standards for OSDS and PAs while allegedly overlooking corruption within its ranks. He also referred to a court observation on allegations against Agriculture Minister Abdul Sattar.
Patole emphasized the Congress party’s commitment to addressing the people’s concerns and urged the media to focus on these critical issues, effectively ending the speculation surrounding his earlier political offer. The focus has now shifted from potential political realignments to the pressing social and economic challenges facing Maharashtra.
First Piper 