Prakash was in the city to get a feel of the party's preparedness for the elections. AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh and Prakash, along with K Rehman and Madhusudhan Mistry, have been asked to study the political situation in all 48 Lok Sabha constituencies of the state. While Prakash is focusing on assembly seats in Nagpur district, Singh will be in the city on August 18 to meet leaders and party activists regarding the six assembly seats in the city.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the party meeting held at the Ganeshpeth office, Prakash said the decision on renewing alliance with the NCP was likely within a week. Once that is done, the party would concentrate on other traditional allies like the RPI. Asked about the growing disenchantment amid Dalit leaders like Ramdas Athavale who are busy uniting all RPI factions to consolidate the Dalit vote and even chart out a new course, Prakash said the Congress would not be cowed down by any threats. "The Dalits trust the Congress. In the Lok Sabha elections four important Dalit candidates - Sushilkumar Shinde, Mukul Wasnik, Eknath Gaikwad and Jayant Awale - were elected comfortably from the state. This shows the immense popularity that the party enjoys.
He said the BJP-Shiv Sena would be the main rival for the Congress which was very confident of getting back to power. Asked if issues like skyrocketing prices of essential items and foodgrains could cost the party dear in polls, Prakash said the government was taking firm steps to arrest price-rise.
The district Congress meeting where prospective candidates and their supporters were given a chance to speak witnessed some heated exchanges when Ramtek seat was under discussion. As former chairman of municipal council Deorao Mahute started pleading the case of Mohite, supporters of Chandrapal Choukse rose in protest. The district Congress is divided over the Ramtek candidate with growing demand for a local' candidate that would naturally disqualify Mohite who is otherwise seen as a strong contender having won the Lok Sabha seat twice albeit on a Sena ticket.
