Retired HC judge B G Kolse Patil joins fray in Aurangabad, seeks Congress, allies’ support

MUMBAI: Retired Bombay high court judge B G Kolse Patil is emerging as a consensus candidate for the entire opposition from the Aurangabad constituency.
“I am contesting the Lok Sabha election as a nominee of the Janata Dal (Secular). I expect to receive support from all opposition parties to ensure the defeat of the Shiv Sena nominee from Aurangabad,” said Kolse Patil.
Kolse Patil, 77, who was HC judge from 1985 to 1990, has the support of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, and is likely to be backed by Congress, NCP and other likeminded parties.“I have been assured support by all anti-BJP parties. Since I am associated with social work in the Marathwada region, I think it should not be difficult for me to wrest the seat from Shiv Sena,” he said.
A senior Congress leader said serious thought is being given to support Kolse Patil’s candidature in view of his participation in social movements. Kolse Patil said Congress lost from Aurangabad in the last few elections and people are looking for a change. “It appears people will vote for change,” he said.
Kolse Patil, who was instrumental in organising the Elgar Parishad in Pune, alleged that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis are misleading the people. “Claims of both Modi and Fadnavis are hollow, they have taken the people for a ride,” he said. Kolse Patil has been part of several movements since he quit the judiciary and has been very vocal against the Narendra Modi-led NDA government.
Kolse Patil said a year ago, Fadnavis had announced reservation for the Marathas. “The CM had told the members of the Maratha community that on the day the decision is taken, it will be a day of celebration, but now it appears to be distant dream.”