Early Life and Education
Nana Patole was born on June 5 , 1963, in Bhandara district, Maharashtra. He completed his education in the local schools and went on to earn a degree, which laid the foundation for his future political career.
Political Career
Nana Patole has had a dynamic and varied political career. Initially, he was a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and served as an MLA from Sakoli constituency in Bhandara district for three consecutive terms from 1999 to 2014. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he contested on a BJP ticket and defeated NCP leader Praful Patel to become the Member of Parliament for Bhandara-Gondiya? ?.
In 2017, Patole made headlines by openly criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP leadership, which led to his resignation from the party and his parliamentary seat. He rejoined the Indian National Congress (INC) and was appointed as the Chairman of the All India Kisan Congress in 2018. In the 2019 Maharashtra state elections, Patole won the Sakoli constituency seat once again, this time as a Congress candidate. He was subsequently elected as the Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, a position he held until February 2021 when he resigned to become the President of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC)?.
Major Achievements
- Successfully contested and won the Sakoli constituency seat multiple times.
- Elected as the Member of Parliament for Bhandara-Gondiya in 2014 by defeating a prominent NCP leader.
- Appointed as the Chairman of All India Kisan Congress, highlighting his focus on farmers' issues.
- Served as the Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
- Appointed as the President of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee in 2021.
Key Political Initiatives
- Opposition to BJP?s Tactics:
- Patole emphasizes that none of the Congress MLAs willfully want to join the BJP.?He accuses the BJP of using pressure tactics to drag leaders from other parties.
- Commitment to Congress:
- Patole reaffirms his commitment to the Congress party and its principles.?He mentions that the Congress is open to welcoming back leaders who have left, provided they align with the party?s values.
- Focus on Public Welfare:
- He discusses various public welfare initiatives and the importance of addressing the needs of the common people.?Patole highlights the Congress?s focus on social justice and equitable development.
- Political Strategy:
- Patole outlines the Congress?s strategy to strengthen its position in Maharashtra.?This includes building a strong grassroots network and addressing local issues effectively.
- Leadership and Unity:
- He stresses the importance of unity within the party and working together to counter the BJP?s influence.?Patole believes in collective leadership and the need for all party members to work towards common goals
Contributions
- Advocacy for farmers' rights and agricultural reforms.
- Efforts to improve infrastructure and public services in his constituency.
- Active participation in legislative processes and debates to address public issues.
Social Media
Personal Life
He is married to Mangla Patole, and they have three children. Despite his busy political career, he ensures to spend quality time with his family and remains connected to his roots in Bhandara district.
Legacy
Nana Patole's legacy is marked by his bold political moves, such as his resignation from BJP and open criticism of the party leadership. His commitment to public service and advocacy for farmers' rights have earned him respect and recognition. As the President of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, he is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future political landscape of Maharashtra.
Controversies
A controversy has erupted involving Nana Patole, the Maharashtra Congress president, after a video surfaced online showing an unidentified man, believed to be a Congress worker, washing Patole?s feet while he was sitting in a car.?The incident occurred during Patole?s visit to Akola district, where he attended an event and returned to his car with muddy feet due to the rain.
Nana Patole is embroiled in a controversy involving Satyajeet Tambe, who accused the Congress of providing faulty AB forms, forcing him to run independently in the MLC election. Tambe claims this was a deliberate move to defame his uncle, Balasaheb Thorat, and sideline him. This incident has highlighted internal conflicts within the Maharashtra Congress and created a perception of a ?Cold War? within the party.
Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole sparked controversy by stating that the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya would be ?purified? by four Shankaracharyas if the Congress-led I.N.D.I.A.?alliance wins the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.?He criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly acting against protocol in the temple?s construction and emphasized that the current idol is of Ram Lalla, the child form of Lord Ram.
