Cong netas want Shelke out, want party brass to take note

Nagpur: City Congress leaders demanded strict action against Bunty Shelke, the party’s Central Nagpur candidate, after his accusations against MPCC president Nana Patole, whom he called an “RSS agent”. The leaders resolved to escalate the issue to Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, seeking Shelke’s immediate expulsion for his ‘divisive and baseless comments’.

Shelke’s accusations sparked a controversy as Congress grappled with its dismal performance in Maharashtra assembly elections, where it won just 16 seats, highlighting internal discord.

Meanwhile, Shelke also accused Congress leaders of prohibiting him from entering Devadia Bhavan, the party’s office in the city on Monday evening. He said the office was deliberately locked. The Congress leaders responded that cleaning was underway in the office and therefore no activity was taking place there for the last couple of days.

At a press briefing on Monday, senior Congress members including Girish Pandav, Nash Ali, Kamlesh Samarth, Prashant Dhawad, and Asif Qureshi, denounced Shelke’s remarks. “Accusations against Patole, who revived the party, are unfounded and damaging. Shelke must clarify his intent,” said Dhawad.

Shelke, who lost to BJP’s Pravin Datke by over 12,000 votes despite securing 80,000, alleged sabotage by Patole and city Congress chief Vikas Thakre. However, Nash Ali dismissed these claims. “Every Congress worker toiled for Shelke’s campaign contributing to his significant vote share. Baseless allegations demoralise the cadre,” he said.

Samarth criticised Shelke for undermining Priyanka Gandhi’s rally, which he said, brought immense support. “Shelke failed to capitalise on the momentum generated by the campaign,” he added.

Some leaders said they were denied tickets but worked for Shelke in party’s interest. “We were advised by Patole to back Shelke. We worked for Congress’s victory, now he shifted blame on the party,” said a leader.

Insiders confirm a formal complaint was filed with the disciplinary committee, with a push for Shelke’s expulsion. “His divisive comments harm party cohesion, especially as Congress rebuilds in Maharashtra,” said Pandav.

The leaders plan to meet Rahul Gandhi to seek decisive action. “Polls come and go, but such actions damage the party’s morale,” said Qureshi.

Courtesy : TOI

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