Muttemwar lobbying for top party post

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief Manickrao Thackre has indicated that he would like to step in the state legislature council as Member of Legislative Council (MLC) instead of seeking an election from Yavatmal, his home turf, in the October assembly elections. The vacancy in upper house is following resignation of Govindrao Adhik (MLC) before the Lok Sabha polls. He joined NCP.

The decision has led to various factions within the Congress demanding changes in the MPCC arguing that Thackre will have to relinquish the charge of state Congress president if he wants to become the MLC.

The name of former union minister Vilas Muttemwar as the suitable replacement of Thackre is doing the rounds. The developments have turned into a tug of war for one-upmanship between union heavy industries minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and chief minister Ashok Chavan.

Chavan left for Delhi on Friday to discuss the issues.

A senior general secretary in MPCC said, “Thackre is not very keen on contesting the assembly polls. His supporters have expressed a desire for him to be appointed as MLC and also be allowed to continue as MPCC chief.”

Those arguing in favour of Muttemwar said, “As the centre did not accommodate him in the cabinet, he should be considered for the post of MPCC president.”