The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana has been dubbed as the BJP’s B team by Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Nana Patole. Speaking to reporters at the party office, Patole claimed that the BRS would not have any effect in Maharashtra politics, stating that its entry into the state would be futile. Patole further asserted that the people of Maharashtra are aware of who benefits from the division of votes, adding that warkaris and the ordinary people are hoping for a Congress-led government in the state.
Patole also criticized BRS chief and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, claiming that the latter has not done anything substantial for dalits, tribals, minorities, and backward classes over the past nine years. He also accused KCR of using the Telangana pattern as a deceptive tactic, similar to the Gujarat pattern used by the BJP. Patole claimed that many BRS leaders are now joining the Congress, indicating that the party is facing a crisis.
Patole also alleged that farmers in Maharashtra were cheated when they sold onions in Telangana, as the prices of the kitchen staple were higher in the latter state. He criticized KCR’s government for advertising their work, stating that those who work do not need to advertise. Patole also questioned KCR’s decision to bring 600 cars from Hyderabad to Pandharpur for the upcoming Ashadi Ekadashi festival, asking whether it was right for him to bring more people to the temple town in addition to the one million warkaris that gather there annually.
Patole emphasized that Lord Vitthala of Pandharpur is a source of faith for all, and it is unacceptable for someone to take political advantage of it. He assured that the Congress has information about KCR’s party and will soon expose the bogus Telangana pattern.
As per Patole’s statements, it seems that the Congress is gearing up for a fight against the BRS in Maharashtra politics. Whether or not the BRS proves to be a formidable opponent remains to be seen.
