Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe Patil unleashed a tirade against the BJP on January 24, labeling it a peril to India’s unity, Maharashtra’s stability, and Mumbai’s soul. In his IANS interview, he charged the party with eroding social cohesion and perverting the region’s political traditions.
On potential new coalitions, Patil was skeptical of Shinde’s leadership. ‘Installed by BJP, not elected on merits, Shinde can’t take bold steps independently. It’s BJP’s contrived group, nothing more,’ he stated flatly.
Praising Mumbai’s essence, Patil noted, ‘This metropolis operates on ability and character. Possess them, and opportunities abound. Mumbai is everybody’s, with the Constitution ensuring equal rights to reside and prosper.’
He slammed BJP’s divisive tactics – fragmenting society by language, region, faith, caste, and gender – to evade scrutiny on vital issues. ‘They want endless infighting so questions on Dharaavi redevelopment, traffic nightmares, garbage crises, and road hazards go unasked,’ Patil said.
Patil called for public focus on these tangible problems defining urban and state realities. As Maharashtra Congress’s chief spokesperson and general secretary, his outburst amplifies opposition narratives, hinting at intensifying pre-election battles in the battleground state.