The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Mumbai): In a significant move within the Congress party, Sanjay Nirupam, the former Mumbai MP, has been expelled following his critical comments against the party’s ally, Shiv Sena (UBT). The decision was taken on Wednesday evening after Nirupam made statements that were seen as undermining the party’s strategy and alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT), especially in the context of seat-sharing discussions for the Lok Sabha elections.
Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Congress party, sanctioned Nirupam’s expulsion for a duration of six years, effective immediately. This decision was communicated through an official statement from the party, following the removal of Nirupam’s name from the list of star campaigners earlier in the day, signaling the deepening of the rift.
Nirupam responded to his expulsion with criticism of the party’s current state, particularly pointing out a “serious financial crisis” the party is purportedly facing. He suggested that the party should focus on conserving resources. His remarks came after expressing dissatisfaction with the Maharashtra Congress leadership for their handling of seat-sharing negotiations with the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) within the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, accusing them of conceding crucial constituencies in Mumbai.
His critique was not just limited to seat-sharing but also extended to the Congress leadership’s broader strategies and alliances. He indicated that the party’s decision to accept Shiv Sena (UBT)’s unilateral candidate announcements in Mumbai was detrimental to Congress’s interests and survival in the region.
Nirupam, who shifted from Shiv Sena to Congress in 2005, has been a prominent figure in Mumbai’s political landscape, advocating for the rights of north Indian hawkers and winning the Mumbai North seat in 2009. His departure from Shiv Sena was marked by a transition towards Congress, where he once enjoyed significant influence and success. However, his electoral fortunes changed in 2014 when he lost the Mumbai North seat to BJP’s Gopal Shetty.
The expulsion marks a turbulent phase in Nirupam’s political career and signifies a stern stance by the Congress party against public dissent within its ranks, especially in the run-up to crucial electoral contests.