Newly appointed Nagpur City Congress Committee president Prafulla Gudadhe formally assumed office on Saturday, outlining his priorities and launching a sharp critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the city. Addressing party workers at Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Hall during his installation ceremony, Gudadhe announced that his first major initiative would be to address the plight of street vendors facing action from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation.
Focus on Street Vendors and Urban Issues
Gudadhe emphasized the hardships faced by small vendors, particularly during extreme heat, and appealed to the municipal commissioner to understand their struggles. He assured that the Congress office in Nagpur would remain open to all, providing a platform for those in need. The new president also urged party workers to leverage social media for helping people rather than seeking personal publicity.
Political Allegations and Family Background
In a pointed political remark, Gudadhe claimed that Nagpur had transformed from the 'Orange City' into a 'drug city' with rising crime, directly attributing the decline to the BJP's hold over the city. Interestingly, he revealed that his father was the first-ever BJP MLA from Nagpur, but stated it was now his responsibility to 'bring down the shutters of the BJP office.' This statement drew attention to his political shift and commitment to the Congress party.
Gratitude and Party Unity
Gudadhe credited former MP Gev Awari for shaping his political journey, stating that Awari foresaw corruption within the BJP and gave him a key role in the Congress in the early 2000s. 'I will remain indebted to him for life,' he said. He also highlighted the Congress party's internal democracy, contrasting it with the BJP, and alleged that since 2014, the Constitution, democracy, and citizens have been under strain.
The new president thanked AICC general secretary Avinash Pandey, MPCC president Harshvardhan Sapkal, Leela Tai Chitale, and other Congress functionaries present at the event. He called for unity within the party unit, urging members to work together for the betterment of Nagpur. The ceremony was attended by a large number of Congress workers who expressed their support for the new leadership.
