Maharashtra results: Cong loses face as defeat sparks blame game

Mumbai: The blame game has started in Maharashtra Congress over the party’s unprecedented defeat in the state. Even though all results are yet to be officially declared, Congress which contested 27 seats is trailing everywhere except Nanded, where former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan has established a lead over his nearest BJP rival. [caption id=“attachment_1528549” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Prithviraj Chavan, Chief Minister of Maharashtra. AFP[/caption] Never before, Congress has reached such a low in a state which has always been a party bastion. Sources close to Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said Manikrao Thakre should own moral responsibility and quit the State Congress chief’s post. “He has been at the helm for nearly six years and his track record is from bad to worse. The poor performance is because of organisational failure. The party functionaries have been raising voice against him to the high command and to revitalise the party in the state. His replacement is required,” the sources added. While sources in the Maharashtra Congress blamed Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan for the poor strategy. Accepting her defeat, party MP Priya Dutt said people’s mandate had been decisive. “I humbly accept their verdict and thank them for all the support. I congratulate Poonam for her victory and extend her my best wishes,” she said. Another Congress veteran Gurudas Kamat, conceding defeat congratulated Shiv Sena’s Gajanan Kirtikar. “I accept people’s verdict with all humility and assure the citizens of continued active participation in public life, with a view to help Mumbaikars in whatever way possible.” PTI