Daijiworld Media Network - Pune

Pune, Aug 11: In a two-day workshop for newly appointed party officials, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshwardhan Sapkal launched a strong critique of the BJP, accusing them of becoming "Congress-filled" in their quest to create a "Congress-free India."

Sapkal characterized the Congress as a party committed to its ideology with a strong leadership, while he likened the BJP to a "witch that devours members from other parties." He pointed to the high number of former Congress members in the BJP's cabinet, arguing that despite having a leader like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP's leadership is "hollow and weak," forcing them to poach Congress workers.

Vijay Wadettiwar, the Legislature Party leader, also addressed the workshop, highlighting the challenges ahead. He stated that unlike the Congress, which has always prioritized Dalits, Adivasis, and minorities, the BJP is running the government for "two industrialists." Wadettiwar urged party members to connect with the public and work with the vision of historical leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Mahatma Gandhi. He further alleged that the BJP-led alliance in Maharashtra is a "looter government" involved in a 40% commission scandal.

Balasaheb Thorat, a senior leader and Congress Working Committee member, acknowledged that the party has faced difficult times but has always bounced back. He criticized the current state government's "appalling" conduct, citing incidents of assaults, brawls, and corruption. Thorat encouraged the new office bearers to focus on public issues such as banking, farmers' concerns, and corruption in NAFED, promising that the public would support them in upholding the party's ideology and the Constitution.