After AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi’s two-day visit to Maharashtra, speculation was rife within Congress circles that while chief minister Prithviraj Chavan is in a tricky situation, state Congress president Manikrao Thakre has managed to consolidate his position in the party.
According to senior party leaders, Mr Thakre, who was under the scanner after the party’s drubbing in the civic polls, is trying to position himself as the leader to replace Mr Chavan.
Several party workers complained to Mr Gandhi about non-decision on the appointments of party workers on boards, corporations, etc. These are the posts given to party workers who don’t get tickets in elections. “The CM is supposed to make these appointments. But since he has not done that, workers expressed their grievances to Mr Gandhi,” said a party worker. According to sources, though Mr Gandhi did not offer any direct comment, he indicated that the CM needed to pull up his socks.
“He said that he would address some issues, but there are certain issues that the CM needs to be resolve,” the party worker said. Meanwhile, Mr Thakre has regained importance after Mr Gandhi’s visit. Party insiders said Mr Thakre has in fact started positioning himself as Mr Chavan’s replacement.