As the Lok Sabha polls entered its final phase, the Congress party, which is without a leader of opposition following Vikhe-Patil's resignation from the post last month, is likely to appoint one soon.
Congress MLA from Vidarbha Vijay Wadettiwar has been tipped off as the front runner for the position. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat is another key candidate for the post.
Sources in Congress said that the party is expected to fare well in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, particularly Vidarbha region. "In Vidarbha, the Dalit, Muslim and Kumbi (DMK) consolidation is likely to spell good poll prospects for the crumbling Congress party in the region. Apart from that, Wadettiwar's contribution and dedication to the party makes him a front runner for the post. Wadettiwar played a vital role in bringing Kunbi leader and Shiv Sena MLA Suresh Dhanorkar into Congress.