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“There were apprehensions after the party’s debacle in the Lok Sabha elections but the situation has changed in the last four months, especially in the wake of the Narendra Modi government’s failure to curb price rise. Besides, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received a major setback in the recent byelections. The Congress’ position has improved and will get a majority to form the government for the fourth successive time in the state,” Thakre said. He said the NCP’s decision to break the alliance with the Congress is turning out to be quite beneficial for the Congress.
Thakre alleged that the Modi-led government was implementing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) agenda. “Under the garb of development, the Modi government is implementing RSS agenda of dividing the society on the communal lines and there by creating instability in the country. However, the Congress has always stood by secularism,” he said.
Thakre said the Congress is reaching out to the voters on the issues of stability, transparency, clean administration and experienced leadership. He added that the party was contesting the election under the leadership of Prithviraj Chavan.
Thakre said Congress’ real fight is against the Shiv Sena and BJP. However, Thakre termed Congress’ former ally NCP as a competitor. He countered the NCP's charge that the Congress was responsible for breaking the alliance with NCP. “It is totally incorrect. The Congress had offered in all 29 seats, asking the NCP to select six seats of their choice in addition to eight seats which NCP has already staked its claim for independents who had supported it. However, there was no response from the NCP,” he added.
Thakre downplayed former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar’s allegation that Chavan had cleared several files pertaining to the builders and realty players in haste in the last two months and it should be probed.
