Congress Suspends State Secretary Shaista Parveen for Contesting Mango Mayoral Election
The Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee has taken disciplinary action by suspending Shaista Parveen, also known as Jeba Khan, from the party for a period of six years. This decision comes after she contested the mayoral election for the Mango Municipal Corporation (MMC), defying the party's official stance. Although civic polls in the region are not contested on formal party lines, the Congress has publicly endorsed Sudha Gupta, the wife of former minister and ex-MLA Banna Gupta, for the mayoral position.
Official Statement and Justification
Baljeet Singh Bedi, the general secretary of the Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee and in-charge of the East Singhbhum district, confirmed the suspension. He stated that Shaista Parveen was suspended due to indiscipline, with approval from state president Keshav Mahato Kamlesh. Bedi added that she had previously been issued a show-cause notice for failing to withdraw her candidacy despite repeated appeals from the party leadership.
In response, Shaista Parveen defended her decision to run, emphasizing her long-standing commitment to the Congress. She highlighted her over a decade of sincere service to the organization and her role as a vocal advocate for the people. She expressed confidence that voters in Mango have faith in her and will support her candidacy in the upcoming election.
Internal Party Concerns and Implications
Party insiders have voiced concerns about the handling of the situation, suggesting that top leaders should have engaged in more persuasive discussions with Shaista Parveen to secure her withdrawal rather than resorting to suspension. A party leader from Mango noted that her independent candidacy poses a risk of splitting votes, potentially weakening the party's chances in the election.
This incident underscores internal tensions within the Congress as it navigates local electoral dynamics. The suspension reflects the party's strict approach to maintaining discipline, especially in the lead-up to crucial polls where unity is deemed essential for electoral success.
