BJP MP Nana Patole who is known for openly criticising the policies of the state government has finally quit the party. Criticising the loan waiver scheme, Patole had said that the government had failed to resolve the hardships faced by farmers. Raising his concern over rising farmer suicides, Patole had said that government remained insensitive towards them. Patole’s scathing statements made against BJP had not gone done well with senior party leaders. When Patole had received a hint pertaining to BJP leadership asking him to quit the party after Gujarat assembly polls, he finally made a decision to quit.
When veteran BJP leader Yashwant Sinha had visited Akola to protest against the government’s lackadaisical attitude towards farmers, Patole too had joined to support him. Patole wrested the Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha seat from former Union Minister for Civil Aviation and senior NCP leader Praful Patel in the 2014 general election. Earlier Patole had criticised Narendra Modi saying that Prime Minister does not like to take questions. He also questioned the Modi government’s demonetisation campaign and GST and said that many youths have been rendered jobless due these policies.
Gajanan Kirtikar, Shiv Sena MP said, “This incident won’t affect the outcome of Gujarat assembly polls but it may have bearing on Maharashtra politics. Of late Modi has been cosying up with Praful Patel. Since Patole learnt that BJP might sideline him in favour of Praful Patel hence he decided to quit. Many leaders are unhappy with Modi government due to the bureaucratic functioning of the PM. Whenever we discuss development projects he overlooks and neglects them.”
Vandana Chavan, NCP Rajya Sabha MP said, “People are unhappy with the functioning of the Modi government. Even senior BJP leaders like L K Advani, Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie have questioned the policies of the government. I can’t comment about whether Patole’s resignation will have an impact on Maharashtra politics.”
Rajni Patil, Congress Rajya Sabha MP said, “Nana Patole is an able leader and has done good work. His stature will further increase after he had tendered his resignation. This incident might have an impact on Gujarat assembly polls. Since a MP has quit it is a serious issue and BJP needs to self-introspect. Many leaders are unhappy with the functioning of senior leadership of BJP.”
Raju Shetti, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana president said, “Nana Patole has been working with BJP since last eight years. After working with BJP he learnt that the party is not serious about governance and only gives false assurance to people. My party has quit the alliance with BJP and I welcome Patole’s decision to resign from the party. BJP will have to pay heavy price for this and Patole’s resignation is just the beginning.”
Sangeeta Thombre, BJP MLA said, “I don’t know the reason behind why Nana Patole resigned from BJP. BJP government had come to power by promising development and they will continue to work on the same agenda. Patole’s resignation won’t have any effect on the outcome of Gujarat assembly polls.”
