The recent appointment of Varsha Gaikwad, an MLA from Dharavi, as the new president of the Mumbai Congress has sparked internal conflict within the state party. Gaikwad's assumption of the presidency has raised concerns among some former officeholders.
Some former officeholders discovered that their nameplates had been removed and that the previous executive committee had been disbanded. This move has caused unease among those affected. According to reports, Gaikwad believed that upon her appointment as president, the prior committee had been dissolved.
In response to the discontent, Mumbai Congress leaders have allegedly reached out to the national president of the party, Mallikarjun Kharge. The leaders have emphasised the urgency of the situation, especially with crucial civic, parliamentary, and Assembly elections on the horizon. They fear that internal conflicts within the party could jeopardise its chances in these upcoming elections.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, Kharge has initiated a conversation with Varsha Gaikwad to address the internal conflict. During their discussion, Kharge stressed the importance of unity and inclusivity within the Mumbai Congress. He allegedly urged Gaikwad to consider the concerns raised by the party members.
However, Gaikwad has denied the allegations, asserting that she is working with all members to strengthen the party. She also claimed that she had not received any calls from Kharge regarding the matter.
In response to the confusion surrounding the committee's dissolution, Kharge clarified that nothing had been dissolved. He has urged Gaikwad to gather all party members and start working together.
The internal conflicts within the Maharashtra Congress are not limited to the current situation. Existing tensions between Nana Patole, the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief, and long-standing members like Balasaheb Thorat have compounded the challenges facing the party.
Furthermore, there is no full-time All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in charge of the state. The recent suspension of senior Congress leader H.K. Patil from his duties as the AICC Maharashtra unit's in-charge due to his ministerial role in Karnataka has added to the party's woes.
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