Maharashtra Congress factionalism intensifies as ex-Minister Thorat resigns as Legislative Party leader

Balasaheb Thorat, who had conveyed to the Congress high command about ‘internal politics’ plaguing the party, reportedly resigned as party leader in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly

The raging cold war within the Maharashtra Congress turned hot after senior Congressman and former State Minister Balasaheb Thorat reportedly resigned from his post as Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader following serious differences with Maharashtra Congress unit chief Nana Patole.

According to sources, Mr. Thorat, who had conveyed to the Congress high command about ‘internal politics’ plaguing the party in a recent letter, is believed to have submitted his resignation from the post of party leader in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly as well.

In his letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Mr. Thorat has reportedly alleged he was being ‘targeted’ and ‘humiliated’ by Mr. Patole during party meetings while apparently stating it was “impossible” to work with the MPCC chief.

However, Mr. Patole on Tuesday clarified that he was not aware of any resignation or letter on Mr. Thorat’s part, stating that he had not been in communication with the latter.

“No such resignation has come [to me]…I have not been in touch with him. He does not speak to us. Today being his [Mr. Thorat’s] birthday, I wish him all the best and pray for his good health and success in his political career,” Mr. Patole said, conveying greetings to Mr. Thorat on occasion of the latter’s 70 th birthday.  

Commenting on Mr. Thorat’s resignation as CLP, his brother-in-law Dr. Sudhir Tambe said it was “extremely unfortunate” as the former was a firm Congress loyalist.

“I have not yet spoken with him, but it needs to be asked why he was forced to take such a step,” said Dr. Tambe.