Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam
The Congress initiates disciplinary action against former Mumbai unit chief Sanjay Nirupam over his criticism of party leadership amid seat-sharing negotiations with Maha Vikas Aghadi ally Shiv Sena (UBT) for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole announced that Nirupam has been excluded from the list of star campaigners and disciplinary measures have been set in motion against him for his disparaging remarks directed towards the party and state unit leadership. Patole stated that a decision regarding further action will be reached within a day or two, as reported by PTI.
Nirupam’s dissent stemmed from Shiv Sena (UBT) announcing candidates for four out of six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai, including the Mumbai North West seat, which he had his sights on. Criticizing the party’s acquiescence to Shiv Sena’s unilateral decision, Nirupam warned against succumbing to such pressure tactics, alleging that it would lead to the demise of Congress in the city.
Expressing his stance, Nirupam emphasized that Congress should not be intimidated by Shiv Sena (UBT), suggesting that the latter’s reliance on Congress support underscored its inability to secure victories independently. Nirupam, whose political journey began with Shiv Sena before transitioning to Congress, urged his party to stand firm against Shiv Sena’s dominance.
The Shiv Sena’s move to announce nominees for 21 seats in Maharashtra has sparked apprehension among the other two Maha Vikas Aghadi allies – Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) – as the seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls remains unsettled. With elections scheduled in five phases in Maharashtra beginning April 19, the three parties are yet to finalize their arrangement.
(With inputs from agencies)
