Embittered MP plans to create anti-BJP front

Mumbai: Nana Patole, the sulking BJP MP from Bhandara, Gondia, now plans to get all other disenchanted BJP leaders as well as anti-BJP forces on one dais. Towards the same, he will meet Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, MP Raju Shetti and others, and get these leaders and parties together on November 15, in Pune.

Mr Patole drew attention when he attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being a leader “who doesn’t like to be questioned”. Ever since, Mr Patole has not lost a single opportunity to attack the BJP government. Now, he is trying to create an anti-BJP alliance in the state, and met the Sena chief on Friday in Mumbai.

“We are concerned about people’s issues. The farmers’ loan waiver is a complete failure. GST and demonetisation have damaged business. Therefore, to bring these issues on the government’s agenda, it is necessary to raise them. We will try to do that,” Mr Patole said.

Recently, he met another sulking BJP leader in Yashvant Sinha. Mr Sinha is believed to be supporting Mr Patole and has asked the latter to speak to like-minded people in the BJP on a national level. Taking a cue, Mr Patole has started contacting disturbed leaders within the BJP fold. “On coming November 15, I am trying to bring all concerned leaders in the BJP and outside on one dais and discuss these issues before the public,” said Mr Patole.

While raising issues against his party’s government, the dissenting leader is also trying to reach out to the masses at large. He has started visiting every district in Vidarbha, raising issues of farmers and the OBC community. Mr Patole claims that when he questioned the PM about an independent OBC ministry at the Centre, the latter did not answer. Mr Patole seems to be getting together on one platform farmers and the OBC community.