By winning 13 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, Congress has become the largest party in the state and has set its eyes on the upcoming assembly polls here. Explaining the party's turnaround in Maharashtra, state in-charge for AICC RAMESH CHENNITHALA tells ALOK DESHPANDE that members leaving the party did not affect anyone and it was a collective effort of workers and allies that brought maximum seats to the Congress. Chennithala clarifies that Congress’s only aim now is to return to power in Maharashtra and it will never act as a "big brother" in a coalition. Excerpts: What do you tell the leaders who quit the party before polls? Congress in Maharashtra was ruled out by the media before the polls as many leaders had quit. Now those who quit are repenting. They never imagined the Congress would perform like this. It did not affect workers at all. Had it affected us, we would not have won Nanded nor in Mumbai. The defection of leaders did not affect our poll process at all. What worked for Congress in Maharashtra? Coordinated efforts of the leaders in the state was key and total cooperation from Uddhav Thackeray ji and Sharad Pawar ji, who fueled the campaign. This has resulted in our victory. The farmers were up in arms everywhere. Rahul Gandhiji raised the Agniveer issue which was appreciated by the youth. False promises given to Marathas and Dhangars was a key issue. Dhangars were fooled by the PM twice. The issue of changing the Constitution was extremely important among Ambedkarites. What was your criterion while choosing candidates? We discussed everything within the organisation, starting from district committees to determine their views. These opinions from the bottom shaped further strategy. We did not force our candidates but sought their opinions which were valued. No unilateral decision was taken. Reports were sent to the CEC and a final decision was taken there. How did you tackle infighting within the party? There was no infighting. We fought as a unit. I brought all the leaders on the same platform, met all, heard them and gauged the mood of the people. It helped bring the traditional voter back to Congress. Apart from this return of voters, even party workers were enthused. What are your plans for the upcoming state assembly polls? Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will continue for the state assembly elections. We are sure to return to power in Maharashtra with MVA. The people do not like this ED-CBI government. The splits BJP caused in parties backfired. People do not like this government at all. Do you see yourself as a big brother in this alliance in Maharashtra? In a coalition, there is no big and small brother. Motto is important. The aim is to return to power in Maharashtra. Everybody should be treated equally for the coalition to run smoothly otherwise it will not work. Giving a smaller party importance and consideration is an utmost necessity and it will be followed from our side. Is the Congress rebel who won from Sangli returning to the party? He has to decide that. I have been told that he has already said that he is a Congressman and part of the MVA. I am hopeful that he will support us.
