Lok Sabha Election 2024: On Wednesday, the Congress party suspended Sanjay Nirupam, the head of its Mumbai chapter, for a period of six years. This was soon after he gave the party a “one-week ultimatum” over the Mumbai North-West seat.
Nirupam’s Alleged Plan to Join Shiv Sena
Meanwhile, Nirupam is set to join the Shiv Sena, which is led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, according to the Indian Express, which revealed this information citing people who are aware of Nirupam’s plans. Sources told IE, “He has taken the decision to quit the Congress and wants to contest from a seat in Mumbai, which is likely to be offered to him by the Shinde Sena.”
Earlier, Venugopal said, “Taking note of the complaints of indiscipline and anti-party statements, the Hon’ble Congress President has approved the expulsion of Shri Sanjay Nirupam from the party for six years with immediate effect.”
Nirupam’s Response to Party Developments
Sanjay Nirupam wrote on X (previously Twitter) shortly after Patole’s declaration, stating that he will decide whether or not to leave the party on his own. “Congress Party should not waste much energy and stationery for me. Instead, use it to save the party. Anyway, the party is going through a severe financial crisis. The period of one week that I had given has been completed today. Tomorrow, I will take the decision myself,” he said.
Shiv Sena’s Candidate Selection
Amot Kirtikar, a candidate for the Shiv Sena (UBT), was given the seat for Mumbai North-West. Nirupam, who represented Mumbai North in the Lok Sabha in the past, stated that he thought the Shiv Sena’s choice to field candidates in Mumbai was an attempt to push the Congress party to the margins.
Congress spokesperson Professor Gourav Vallabh also resigned from the party’s primary membership on Thursday. Vallabh represented the party in TV debates on matters pertaining to finance and the economy.
Weeks before the Lok Sabha elections, boxer Vijender Singh also announced his affiliation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), dealing another blow to the Congress. The Olympian had joined the Congress in 2019 and had lost against Ramesh Bidhuri of the BJP in his unsuccessful attempt to win the South Delhi seat in the general elections.