This is an archive article published on June 6, 2024
‘Those who quit party repenting, Congress’ aim is to return to power in state’: Ramesh Chennithala
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:
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.
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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.
Alok Deshpande is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized for his focused and authoritative reporting on governance, politics, and the socio-economic dynamics of Maharashtra's hinterlands. His unique academic background in Geology and early work in the water sector provides a specialized layer of Expertise to his reporting on resource and environmental issues.
Expertise
Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai.
Core Authority: Alok provides detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, with a particular emphasis on how policies and power struggles affect the rural and semi-urban areas (the 'hinterlands').
Key Coverage Areas: His reports frequently focus on high-stakes administrative and political topics, including:
State Assembly Proceedings: In-depth reporting on the Legislative Assembly, covering ministerial statements, legislative debates, and inter-party conflict within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Policy & Finance: Coverage of state finances, including supplementary budget demands, fiscal deficits, and major government schemes (e.g., Jal Jeevan Mission, Ladki Bahin Yojana).
Rural and Social Issues: Reports on critical health issues (e.g., child deaths in districts), human-animal conflict (leopard attacks, stray dogs), and agrarian concerns (e.g., farmer suicides).
Local and Urban Governance: Covers major announcements regarding urban development (e.g., BMC's OC amnesty scheme, pagdi system push) and local body elections, including political defections and alliance splits.
Unique Credentials & Trustworthiness
Academic Specialization: Holds a Post-graduate degree in Geology. This background gives him a foundational understanding of natural resources, which directly informs his reporting on environment, water, and infrastructure projects.
Early Professional Experience: His shift to journalism came after working with an NGO focused on the water sector. This practical experience strengthens his Expertise in critical areas like water management and rural development, as evidenced by his reporting on the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Journalism Training: An alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, confirming his formal training and commitment to rigorous journalistic standards.
Alok Deshpande's rare combination of scientific education, non-profit sector experience, and deep political reporting makes him a highly trusted and authoritative voice on the governance and ground realities of Maharashtra.
He tweets @alokdesh ... Read More
