Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole revealed on Wednesday that he narrowly escaped unscathed after a truck collided with his car in Bhandara district, raising concerns within his party of a potential assassination attempt. The incident occurred on Tuesday night, according to Patole, who stated that authorities are investigating whether it was an act of sabotage. Addressing the incident in a video message, Patole recounted, “Yesterday, a truck tried to hit our car intentionally near Bhandara. We were unhurt, but the vehicle got damaged badly. I am safe due to the blessings of people. We have filed a police complaint and the police will find out whether it is sabotage or something else.”
Campaigning context
State Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe clarified that Patole was engaged in election campaigning in Bhandara district when the incident unfolded near Karda village on Tuesday night. According to Londhe, the truck collided with Patole’s car and appeared to attempt to crush it.
"This is a serious incident and there is room for doubt if it was an attempt on his life. Does the BJP want to win elections by finishing off opposition leaders?" he asked.
Sabotage suspicions
Expressing suspicions of foul play, Londhe questioned whether the incident was a deliberate attempt on Patole’s life. He raised concerns about the BJP’s potential involvement in such actions to secure electoral victories.
Patole’s safety
Despite the perilous situation, Patole emerged unscathed and attributed his safety to the support and blessings of the people.
Congress candidate in Bhandara-Gondiya after 25 years
For the first time in 25 years, the Congress party has fielded a candidate in the Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha constituency. Dr. Prashant Padole, representing the Congress party’s progressive agenda, is making extensive efforts to connect with voters across every village in the constituency. Through various meetings and gatherings, Padole is urging voters to exercise their franchise diligently. The campaign has yielded positive results, fostering a sense of enthusiasm among party workers. Dr. Prashant Padole expressed confidence that after 25 years, a Congress candidate will emerge victorious in the upcoming elections, highlighting the significance of the grand alliance.
Upcoming elections
The incident comes amid the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, scheduled to be conducted in five phases from April 19 to May 20, encompassing 48 constituencies.
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