Congress Drops Sanjay Nirupam as Star Campaigner for Anti-Party Remarks

The Congress in Maharashtra has taken a stern stance against former Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam for his recent critical comments against the party, leading to his removal from the list of star campaigners. His remarks, which questioned the party’s stance in light of Shiv Sena‘s unilateral candidate announcements, have prompted the party to announce imminent action against him.

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole expressed his discontent with Nirupam’s consistent criticism, stating that his conduct indicates a deliberate effort to undermine the party’s interests. Patole revealed that no formal notice will be issued, and corrective measures will be taken swiftly.

Nirupam, however, responded defiantly to the party’s decision, suggesting that the Congress should allocate its resources towards salvaging the party’s standing instead of focusing on him. He hinted at revealing his future plans in response to the party’s actions, highlighting a potential rift within the Congress leadership.

The move against Sanjay Nirupam comes amidst growing speculation that he may be considering leaving the party, given his vocal opposition to the Congress’s alliance with Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. Nirupam’s criticism of the Congress’s acquiescence to Sena’s candidate allocations has raised concerns about party unity and strategic decisions.

Notably, the Maharashtra Congress has voiced objections to Shiv Sena’s autonomous candidate nominations for several key Lok Sabha constituencies, emphasizing the importance of upholding the principles of the coalition government. Balasaheb Thorat, Congress Legislature Party leader, urged Sena to reconsider its choices to maintain coalition harmony.

With the situation unfolding rapidly, Nirupam’s future within the Congress remains uncertain, as the party grapples with internal dissent and external political pressures. The dynamic between the Congress and its allies in Maharashtra sets the stage for potential shifts in the region’s political landscape.