The Amravati Congress is facing a significant political challenge as its candidate for the Local Self Authorities Constituency MLC election has been missing since June 5. In response, the party has called a meeting at Congress Bhavan on Tuesday to mitigate the fallout.
Candidate's Health Issues Raise Questions
Congress nominee Harshjeet Deshmukh was reportedly admitted to a private hospital in Nagpur last week for cardiac treatment. Although he was discharged a few days ago, party functionaries claim he was readmitted for a kidney stone. The unexplained absence has angered local leadership, who accuse him of accepting Rs 15-20 crore to withdraw from the contest.
Leadership Reacts
MLC election observer and former minister Yashomati Thakur, along with district Congress president Aniruddha alias Bablu Deshmukh, have taken the lead in addressing the crisis. On Monday, Thakur told TOI she would comment after Tuesday's meeting. Bablu Deshmukh expressed frustration, stating that the candidature was cleared without consulting district office-bearers. "Harshjeet Deshmukh assured us he would join the campaign on June 5, but he hasn't reported to date," Deshmukh said, adding that the BJP is using all its money and power to win the seat.
Political Implications
If Harshjeet Deshmukh is considered to have unofficially withdrawn, the Amravati seat now effectively becomes a contest between BJP's Praveen Pote, who is seeking a third term, and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi's Dr Nilesh Vishwakarma.
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