The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has suspended two of its candidates for the Local Authorities MLC seats after they withdrew from the race without prior approval from the party leadership. The action was taken on Friday against Sahebrao Kamble, the candidate from the Yavatmal Local Authorities constituency, and Shailesh Agrawal, the candidate from the Wardha-Chandrapur-Gadchiroli Local Authorities constituency.
Reasons for suspension
According to the suspension order issued by MPCC senior vice-president Ganesh Patil, both candidates were charged with withdrawing their nominations without informing the party brass. The order stated that their actions created hurdles for the party despite having requested tickets to contest. The suspension was carried out on the directive of state party president Harshvardhan Sapkal, who also cancelled their primary membership in the party.
Public criticism by district president
On Thursday, Yavatmal Congress district president Sachin Naik publicly criticised Kamble's decision to withdraw. Naik accused Kamble of betraying the party, stating that his actions amounted to 'stabbing the party in the back' and described the move as 'nothing short of a disrobing of democracy.' Naik's sharp remarks highlighted the internal discord within the party over the withdrawals.
Kamble's defense
In response, Kamble defended his decision on Thursday, citing electoral arithmetic. He argued that the party lacked the required numerical strength to win the election in the Yavatmal Local Authorities constituency. 'We did not have the required numerical strength to win the election. Therefore, I decided to withdraw my candidature. However, I consider myself fortunate that the party reposed faith in a worker like me and gave me the opportunity to contest,' Kamble said.
Impact on elections
The withdrawals paved the way for Mahayuti's Dushyant Chaturvedi to be declared elected unopposed from the Yavatmal local authorities constituency. The constituency had 446 municipal councillors eligible to vote, and with the Congress candidates pulling out, Chaturvedi secured the seat without a contest. This development has dealt a blow to the Congress party's prospects in the region and raised questions about internal discipline.
The suspension of the two candidates underscores the Congress party's efforts to maintain discipline and ensure that candidates adhere to party directives. The party leadership has made it clear that any deviation from the established protocol will not be tolerated, especially in crucial electoral contests.
