Wadettiwar says graduate poll results show public anger against Mahayuti government

Nagpur: Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the Mahayuti government after the Maha Vikas Aghadi's victory in the Legislative Council graduates' constituency elections. He claimed the results have opened the eyes of a BJP drunk on power and show growing anger among youth and farmers.

"The days of the Mahayuti government's exit have begun," Wadettiwar said. "From the Sangh's stronghold itself, the youth have raised the slogan 'BJP, go back'."

Referring to the Aghadi's wins in the three graduates' constituencies, he said the Aghadi succeeded in the constituencies where turnout was higher, while the Mahayuti won where turnout was low. According to him, the results reflect public anger and a protest against the arrogance of those in power. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he said both had to delete their tweets.

On the exchange of allegations among the Mahayuti constituents, Wadettiwar said sarcastically, "All we can say is 'live happily together'." He said these parties came together only to stay in power and are now settling scores with each other in a "tit-for-tat" manner.

Speaking on the Supreme Court's decision on local self-government elections, Wadettiwar raised the issue of OBC reservation. He claimed that the political representation of OBCs is being affected and that his party lost about 60 per cent of the seats in gram panchayats. He also voiced concern that the OBC community could suffer in the coming Zilla Parishad elections.

According to Wadettiwar, the government has clearly said reservation will not be reduced, but no final decision has been taken so far and several petitions are pending. "We are not against elections, but the OBC community must get its rightful reservation quota," he said. "If elections are being held after reducing OBC representation, the government's stand is anti-OBC."

Questioning the transparency of the election process, Wadettiwar repeated his demand that all elections be held by ballot paper. He said that to remove the doubts people have about EVMs, the government should decide to hold voting on ballot papers. He also claimed that such a decision would deal a big political blow to the Modi government.

Reacting to a statement by BJP MLA Nitesh Rane, Wadettiwar said his political understanding is limited. He said the Nagpur graduates' constituency result is the outcome of voting against the BJP. He also claimed that had Nitesh Karale not been in the fray, Abhijit Wangari would have been elected in the very first round.

Wadettiwar said Abhijit Wangari had consistently raised the issues of youth, the unemployed and the general public in the Legislative Council. According to him, voters recognised the need for his presence and got him elected. He described the win as a verdict of people's power against money power and the arrogance of those in power.

Wadettiwar said Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA bloc have begun a struggle to save democracy in the country. He expressed confidence that a large number of people would join the agitation to be held in Delhi on the first of the month. He also said the INDIA bloc is preparing an impeachment motion demanding the removal of the election commissioners.

He said this struggle over alleged irregularities in the election process and the autonomy of democratic institutions would continue.