Rahul Gandhi eyes upset BJP, Shiv Sena leaders

Congress president Rahul Gandhi recently held a meeting with Maharashtra Congress leaders in Delhi and asked them to tap the disgruntled BJP and Shiv Sena leaders ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.

Sources in Congress said Rahul is keen to strengthen and expand the party base in Maharashtra that sends 48 Member of Parliament (MPs) in total 552 strength of parliament. As part of the strategy, Congress has already inducted ex BJP MP and OBC leader Nana Patole in Congress. Patole will play a major role, particularly in Vidharbha. Besides, Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathan leader Raju Shetti has also shown interest in allying with Congress in the next Lok Sabha elections.

"Voters have realised that the BJP has cheated them and the wind is changing speedily in states and in the country as well. There are several senior BJP and Sena elected representatives who may switch sides at any moment," said Ashok Chavan, president of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC).

Chavan said that they had also requested senior BJP leader Eknath Khadse to join Congress. "If Khadse joins us, then that will give a big boost to the party, particularly in North Maharashtra and Vidharbha region. However, he has to take the final decision. Congress will form the next government in Maharashtra," Chavan said.

Another senior Congress leader said that they are having regular meetings with Rahul Gandhi where disgruntled BJP and Sena names are identified and discussed. "As a part of our strategy, we are approaching them. If they are interested, then offer will be given to join us. Besides, most of our leaders, who had earlier joined BJP during the last Lok Sabha and state polls, are also sending signals to join back the Congress. They also want to come back to their original home," a Congress leader said, requesting anonymity.

He further said that as the elections approach, the activity of new people joining will gather momentum. "Meanwhile, we are strengthening our existing party workers network. We are having workshop at every town and district where party prospect are discussed. In the last election, the party cadre itself was demoralised and they fought the elections with a defeated mentality.

JUMPING THE SHIP

• As part of the strategy, Congress has already inducted ex BJP MP and OBC leader Nana Patole in Congress
   
• Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathan leader Raju Shetti has also shown interest in allying with Congress in the next Lok Sabha elections