Nana Patole is a prominent Indian politician from Maharashtra and a key leader of the Indian National Congress (INC). Born on June 5, 1963, in Bhandara district, Maharashtra, Patole has had a dynamic political career, serving in various capacities at both the state and national levels. He is known for his outspoken views, particularly on issues concerning farmers, the marginalized, and the working class.

Achievements

1. Speaker of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (2019-2021): Nana Patole was elected as the Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in 2019 after the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, which was an alliance between the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Shiv Sena. As Speaker, Patole played a significant role in maintaining order and ensuring smooth functioning of the Assembly during a politically volatile period in the state.

2. Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President: In February 2021, Nana Patole resigned as the Speaker of the Assembly and was appointed as the President of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC). In this role, he has been actively working to strengthen the Congress party's base in the state and rejuvenate its cadre, especially at the grassroots level.

3. Farmers’ Advocate: Patole has been a staunch advocate for farmers' rights and welfare. He has raised issues related to agrarian distress, farmer suicides, and agricultural reforms, both in the state and at the national level. His deep connection with rural Maharashtra has made him a significant voice on agricultural matters.

4. Parliamentary Career: Patole was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Bhandara-Gondia constituency in Maharashtra in 2014, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, he resigned from the BJP in 2017 due to differences with the party leadership, especially over the treatment of farmers' issues. He later joined the Congress and has been a vocal critic of the BJP and its policies.

5. Criticism of Government Policies: Nana Patole has consistently taken a strong stand against policies that he believes are detrimental to the interests of farmers and the common man. His resignation from the BJP was seen as a protest against the government's failure to address rural and agricultural distress. He has also been critical of centralization of power and policies that he feels undermine state interests.

6. Grassroots Politics: Coming from a rural background, Patole has been deeply connected to the issues of the common people in Maharashtra, especially those in the Vidarbha region. His focus has been on addressing local issues such as farmer indebtedness, lack of adequate healthcare facilities, and unemployment.

7. Youth Empowerment and Leadership Development: As MPCC President, Patole has emphasized the need to empower the youth and bring fresh faces into the political landscape. He has been instrumental in organizing rallies, outreach programs, and public campaigns to galvanize support for the Congress in Maharashtra.