PUNE: Congress State President Balasaheb Thorat has denied that any decision has been taken for merging the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
He was talking to media persons here on Wednesday at the Congress Bhavan.
Thorat cleared the party’s stand on the backdrop of a recent statement by senior Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde.
Talking about his views on Shinde’s statement, Thorat said, “It has been more than two months since I assumed charge as state president of Congress. We had several meetings but no discussion for merger of the two parties has taken place so far.”
‘NO DEVELOPMENT IN PUNE’
“Pune city was announced a Smart City five years ago. However, the government has not given enough funds for development of the Smart City projects. Most of the projects are incomplete due to lack of funds. Pune Smart City is receiving only Rs 100 crore per year for development. The city is facing water problems, issues related to solid waste and basic infrastructure. The civic body has to issue bonds for city development,” Thorat added.
‘BJP GOVT’S FAILURE IN STATE’
Thorat criticised the BJP government policies and said, “The BJP government has failed in the State. There was complete mismanagement during the flood situation in Kolhapur and Sangli. We visited the flood-prone areas where people were angry. The State government demanded aid of Rs 6,800 crore from the Central government but the State government has not received a single penny yet. Due to this government’s economic policies, there is slowdown in different sectors due to which people are facing problems.”
Uncertainty over Rahul Gandhi’s part in campaign Thorat said the State Assembly election campaign started on Wednesday and as it progresses, senior leaders will take part. “Our senior leaders will take part in the poll campaign and we will receive a list. These are State polls, therefore, we cannot tell now whether Rahul Gandhi will take part in the campaign or not,” Thorat added.
‘CONG-NCP WILL WIN 160 SEATS’
Congress State President Thorat, while predicting the election outcome said, “BJP is claiming it will win more than 200 seats. We are practical. The Congress and NCP alliance will win 160 seats in the polls.”
