Rahul Gandhi to visit Sangli in Maharashtra, inaugurate Congress stalwart Patangrao Kadam’s statue

Rahul Gandhi is also likely to have a meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SP) national chief Sharad Pawar during his visit.

Londhe, however, said, “We have so far not received any intimation in this regard. But both Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray have been invited to the inauguration function. If they remain present, obviously a meeting will take place.”

Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Sangli where Congress rebel candidate Vishal Patil had won during the Lok Sabha election assumes significance in view of the forthcoming Assembly elections. During his Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi had given western Maharashtra a miss.

“Now he has a chance to make up for that miss… In western Maharashtra, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) had done well during the Lok Sabha polls. His presence will further boost the MVA spirit,” said a senior Congress leader.

Patangrao Kadam, an education baron, who founded the Bharati Vidyapeeth, was among the tallest Congress leaders. He served as minister for several years in Congress-NCP governments.