In a significant development, leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil has resigned from the post. Vikhe-Patil had tendered his resignation after his son, Dr Sujay Vikhe-Patil, joined the BJP and is contesting the Ahmednagar seat. In the wake of criticism, Vikhe-Patil sent a letter to Congress president Rahul Gandhi, resigning from the post of leader of opposition, a few weeks ago.

Vikhe Patil had sent his resignation letter to the top party leadership, offering to quit the post of LoP, after his son Sujay Vikhe Patil left Congress and joined the BJP. “Vikhe Patil had offered to resign from the post and had also sent a letter to the Congress president. This letter of resignation has been accepted by the Congress president,” state Congress president Ashok Chavan said.

The development comes a day before Rahul Gandhi’s rally in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar Friday.The monsoon session of Maharashtra Legislature will commence in July and will be the last session before the state goes to polls later this year.