As compared to the previous assembly election in Maharashtra, the Congress is now seen as a much stronger force within the Maha Vikas Aghadi. But it also faces many questions.

In an exclusive conversation with Newslaundry, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole talks about a range of issues – from the party’s relations with alliance partners to lack of Muslim representation, its repeated allegations about EVMs, its perceived silence on hate crimes, and speculation around the chief ministerial candidate.

“BJP’s policy is to help a handful, the industrialists. The Congress’s vision is to reach out to the common man… with farmers, youth, and women as our prime focus,” he says while talking about the party’s agenda.

Asked about the party’s ostensibly tough negotiation for a higher share of the seat-sharing formula, Patole says the party isn’t like the BJP. “JP Nadda had said we’ll finish smaller parties.”

On the MVA’s opposition to the Ladki Behna scheme, Patola insists it is because the Mahayuti coalition had increased its benefits just weeks ahead of polls. “BJP beimaan bhai hai (is a dishonest brother).” 

“BJP media ko manage kar rahi hai, paise de kar (BJP is managing the media by feeding them money).”