The Congress party in Kalyan has been hit by a significant political crisis following the dramatic resignations of two of its senior leaders on the same day. The move has triggered intense speculation and unrest within the party's local unit, dealing a severe blow to its prospects ahead of the crucial Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation elections.
Double Resignation Rocks Local Congress Unit
In a coordinated political shock, former Kalyan district president Sachin Pote and Congress city president Vimal Thakkar both resigned from the party's primary membership on Monday. Their departures represent a substantial loss of experienced leadership for the Congress in the region.
Just hours after Pote submitted his resignation, Thakkar followed suit, announcing his decision to join the Shiv Sena. Thakkar cited the development-oriented leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Shrikant Shinde as his inspiration for switching allegiance.
Leaders' Motivations and Future Plans
Addressing the media, Vimal Thakkar described his exit from the Congress as an emotionally challenging decision after 27 years of service. He began his political journey through the party's student wing and was mentored by the late senior Congress leader Sanjay Dutt.
"My only aim is to work in the larger public interest with the support of Dr Shrikant Shinde and the blessings of Eknath Shinde," Thakkar stated. He emphasized that his move was not motivated by any expectation of a position or a municipal election ticket, but by a desire to see Kalyan West develop on par with Kalyan East and Dombivli.
Meanwhile, Sachin Pote's resignation came after weeks of speculation. Last month, after he stepped down as district president, strong rumours emerged that he might join either the Shiv Sena or the BJP. Senior Congress leaders had reportedly tried to persuade him to stay and had even appointed him as the election campaign in-charge for the Kalyan-Dombivli civic polls just last week.
However, late on Monday night, Pote resigned from both his post and the party. He has confirmed receiving offers from both the Shiv Sena and the BJP and stated he has not yet made a final decision on his political future.
Implications for Upcoming Civic Elections
The back-to-back resignations have intensified the political churn in Kalyan and pose a serious organizational challenge for the Congress. With the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation elections on the horizon, the loss of two key local figures with deep grassroots connections could significantly weaken the party's campaign machinery and voter outreach.
This exodus highlights the ongoing turbulence within the party's Maharashtra unit and underscores the intense competition among political factions in the state. The Congress now faces the urgent task of containing further damage and rebuilding its local leadership structure in Kalyan to remain a credible contender in the upcoming polls.
