57-years-old Wadettiwar is a firebrand leader of Congress and has been a vocal critic of the BJP government's performance in the state
As the Lok Sabha polls entered its final phase, the Congress party, which is without a leader of opposition following Vikhe-Patil's resignation from the post last month, is likely to appoint one soon.
Congress MLA from Vidarbha Vijay Wadettiwar has been tipped off as the front runner for the position. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat is another key candidate for the post.
Sources in Congress said that the party is expected to fare well in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, particularly Vidarbha region. "In Vidarbha, the Dalit, Muslim and Kumbi (DMK) consolidation is likely to spell good poll prospects for the crumbling Congress party in the region. Apart from that, Wadettiwar's contribution and dedication to the party makes him a front runner for the post. Wadettiwar played a vital role in bringing Kunbi leader and Shiv Sena MLA Suresh Dhanorkar into Congress. He also ensured that the ticket for Chandrapur Lok Sabha constituency goes to Dhanorkar who was pitted against Union Minister of State, Home Affairs, Hansraj Ahir. Dhanorkar has fair chances of winning this seat," added a source in the Congress close to Wadettiwar.
57-years-old Wadettiwar is a firebrand leader of Congress and has been a vocal critic of the BJP government's performance in the state. His proximity with state Congress president Ashok Chavan and NCP chief Sharad Pawar is expected to work in his favour.
Meanwhile, another senior Congress MLA and former revenue minister Balasaheb Thorat who is also arch-rival of former LoP Vikhe-Patil in Ahmednagar district being referred to as 'the dark horse' for this post. Though his close proximity with Congress president Rahul Gandhi might make his claim to the post strong, sources in Congress said that battle for Shirdi seat for which he contested, will play a major role in deciding his fate. Thorat had pulled out all the stops to gain an upper hand during the elections.
VACANCY
Last month, Vikhe-Patil fell out with the Congress party and quit as leader of the opposition in the state assembly after it couldn’t secure the Ahmednagar seat for his son to contest
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 "Congress MLA from Vidarbha Vijay Wadettiwar (L), Balasaheb Thorat (R)")
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