Rahul wants accountability fixed in organisation: Ashok Chavan

AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi has categorically said accountability has to be fixed at all levels to make the organisation strong. I believe there are many claimants when it comes to success. But when things fail, nobody is ready to share the responsibility.

But isn’t the ambiguity over AICC leadership affecting the party?

There is no ambiguity. Rahul is the vice-president of AICC, Sonia the president. As party workers, we look up to both as our leaders.

Will Congress join hands with NCP to take on the Shiv Sena-BJP coalition in Maharashtra?

My strategy is not to have any pre-poll alliance. If necessary, we can consider post-poll alliances. We should use this five-year period to consolidate the Congress party across the state.

NCP president Sharad Pawar has indicated he would like to work with Congress in interest of secular politics?

Pawarji is a respected leader. But I am not sure what NCP wants to do as they give a confusing signal. Praful Patel says they would provide stability to the BJP-led government in Maharashtra. Then they boast of their excellent equations with PM Narendra Modi. Also, PM says he talks with Pawar once a month or week. Unlike NCP, Congress is clear about its role as an Opposition.

In civic polls, MIM appears to have managed to win Muslims, which was always Congress’s traditional vote bank?

MIM will play the role of spoilsport. MIM’s hate speeches led to polarisation. But we need to tell Muslims that MIM would help the Sena-BJP. In the past, we had Indian Muslim League which did not succeed.

How do you rate the Devendra Fadnavis government’s six months?

It is very disappointing, especially considering the highest number of farmers’ suicides in Vidarbha and Marathwada. If I were the CM, I would have waived entire loans of farmers. A financial package alone will not help.

Your comments on beef ban and prime time slots for Marathi films?

They are pushing their hidden agenda. It is sad that the government is interfering in what people should see and eat. They have done nothing to address the problems of people who lost their business after ban on cow/cattle slaughter. In case of Marathi films in multiplexes, the decisions are taken by producers and distributors based on films and public response. Now, government is dictating terms.