Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil rejects reports of resignation

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Maharashtra State Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil has denied reports about his resignation from the post of Leader of the Opposition. Reports were rife on Tuesday that Patil submitted his resignation to the Congress leadership after his son Sujay Vikhe Patil joined BJP when Congress ally NCP refused to vacate Ahmednagar Lok Sabha seat for him.

"I reject reports that I have resigned as Leader of Opposition," said Vikhe Patil. Vikhe Patil had earlier said that Sujay's decision to join the BJP was a personal one.

Sources in the Congress said that after his son Sujay Vikhe joined the BJP, Congress president Rahul Gandhi spoke to Vikhe Patil. "Gandhi has asked him to write a letter seeking an explanation. While the letter allegedly mentions that he will abide by the party's decisions, there is no mention of his resignation," said a source requesting anonymity.

Another senior Congress leader said that the decision over Vikhe Patil will be taken after Lok Sabha polls only. "Once the polls are over, a meeting of Congress MLAs will be called to decide on the fate of the LoP ahead of state assembly session," informed the Congress leader.

Meanwhile, LOP Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil has reiterated that he will continue to serve the Congress and abide by its directives.

(With agency inputs)