In a significant development, the Congress has decided to contest the crucial upcoming BMC elections independently, according to reliable sources.
The party began evaluating its decision after the Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed its intention to form an alliance with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Regardless of whether the Shiv Sena (UBT) contests alone or joins forces with the MNS, the Congress must formulate its own strategy, a senior party leader from Mumbai stated.
A meeting held on May 13 to discuss the party’s strategy for the civic elections reportedly witnessed high drama. The discussion centred on the functioning of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC) and the leadership style of its president Varsha Gaikwad.
Both the Maharashtra state Congress unit and the Mumbai Congress are in two minds whether to await the UBT’s final strategy or to proceed with their own plans. Although the Congress does not want to quit the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), it has no time to wait for UBT’s decision, party sources said.
Given the present situation, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in New Delhi had summoned prominent leaders from Mumbai. The meeting was attended by Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ramesh Chennithala and KC Venugopal.
The meeting centred on the working style of Gaikwad, who represents Mumbai North Central in Lok Sabha. Her decision making, programmes, priorities too came under sharp attack, sources said.