Congress Considers Expelling Sanjay Nirupam After Ally Attack

The Maharashtra Congress is drafting a resolution to remove party leader Sanjay Nirupam for his criticism of Shiv Sena, an ally of India, regarding seat-sharing in the Lok Sabha election. The party’s disciplinary committee will decide on the recommendation when it is forwarded to Delhi. Nirupam has been criticizing the party since it announced Maharashtra Lok Sabha candidates.

The Mumbai North-West constituency is a point of controversy as the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, led by Gajanan Kirtikar, has declared Amol Kirtikar as its nominee. The BJP hopes to run a candidate there as part of their agreement to share seats with the Shiv Sena. Congress leader Nirupam argues that the Congress must resist pressure from the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, as they cannot win any seat without Congress support.

Additionally, Mr Nirupam said that Amol Kirtikar, the Sena candidate, accepted bribes when there was a COVID-free food program for migrant workers. Sanjay Nirupam, a former Mumbai Congress chief, has expressed his openness to all options and is waiting for a decision from the high command on his issues. Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule has stated that Nirupam is welcome in the party if he is ready and aligns with the BJP. Bawankule praised Nirupam’s work in connecting people with Congress and his recognition in North India. Though talks with Nirupam have not yet taken place, Bawankule said that if he is ready and aligns with the BJP, he is always welcome.

The BJP and Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, have expressed their support for Sanjay Nirupam’s potential departure from Congress. Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat stated that Nirupam is angry with Congress and will be welcomed if he decides to leave, but the final decision lies with Shinde.