Mr. Thopate is the son of veteran Congressman Anantrao Thopate, a prominent leader in Pune district during the heydays of the party. Despite this they have not been rewarded by the party high command,” said a supporter of Mr. Thopate. A number of leaders within the Pune Congress were hoping that a ministerial berth for Mr. Thopate could well turn the Congress’ fortunes in Pune district, which have plummeted since the political twilight of senior Congressman Suresh Kalmadi. “The Congress cabinet is a judicious mix of all sections and classes. In contrast, the Nationalist Congress Party has sent six ministers from western Maharashtra, with five of them securing cabinet berths.

Source: The Hindu December 30, 2019 20:09 UTC