Congress candidate’s ‘RSS agent’ charge against Nana Patole: He destroyed party

The Maharashtra Congress found itself embroiled in internal strife after Bunty Shelke, the party’s candidate for Nagpur Central in the recent assembly elections, accused state party chief Nana Patole of being an “RSS agent” and colluding with the BJP.
“Patole should be dismissed from Congress and sent to the RSS, as his actions align with their agenda,” Shelke told the media last week, blaming Patole for his electoral defeat.
Shelke, who lost to BJP’s Pravin Datke by over 12,000 votes in Nagpur Central, alleged sabotage and a lack of support from the party. He raised serious questions about Patole’s role in the party’s internal meetings.
He also accused the Maharashtra Congress chief of undermining party candidates by instructing local cadres to cooperate with the BJP during the poll campaign.
In response to Shelke’s statements, the Maharashtra Congress issued a show cause notice on Saturday, accusing him of defaming Patole and violating party discipline. The notice demanded an explanation within two days, warning of potential suspension.
“On November 28, 2024, a meeting of the Congress party’s Assembly candidates was organised at Tilak Bhavan. You were also present at this meeting. After the meeting, while speaking to the media in the Tilak Bhavan premises, you made false and baseless allegations against the Congress party and Shri Nana Patole, the Hon. State President. As a result, the reputation of the Congress party and Hon. State President Shri Nana Patole has been tarnished,” the notice read.
Shelke, undeterred, doubled down on his accusations via X, tagging Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi. “Nana Patole destroyed party @INCMaharashtra, he is an RSS agent,” Shelke tweeted.
Shelke’s allegations came in the wake of a dismal performance by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, of which Congress is a part, in the state assembly elections. The Mahayuti coalition, led by the BJP, swept the polls, securing 230 seats, while the MVA managed only 46.
Congress won 16 seats, a poor showing despite a high-profile campaign led by leaders including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who held a roadshow in support of Shelke.