Frustrated with Congress high command’s failure to endorse him as the candidate for the Sangli Lok Sabha seat in western Maharashtra, Vishal Patil, grandson of stalwart Congressman and late CM Vasantdada Patil, formally rebelled against the party by refusing to withdraw his nomination as an independent candidate from Sangli.
Speaking to reporters today evening, Mr. Patil said he had not rebelled out of selfishness but was contesting to preserve the existence of the Congress in Sangli.
“I am not contesting out of any personal gain or selfishness. This battle is a fight for the existence of the Congress party in this region. Only the Congress can defeat the BJP in the coming election. Till the last minute, I was hopeful the MVA leaders would announce my name as the MVA’s candidate for Sangli. But there is no question of my pulling back,” Mr. Patil said.
