Pune: Discontent within the Congress party against Pune City President Arvind Shinde has come to a head. Several former office bearers, state branch members, and ex-corporators traveled to Mumbai on Thursday (July 11) to submit a written complaint to the party leadership. They demanded a new appointment for the city president position before the upcoming Assembly elections.
Despite favorable conditions for the Congress party both nationally and at the state level, the party suffered a significant defeat in the 2019 elections by 350,000 votes. However, this time, the deficit was reduced by 125,000 to 150,000 votes, indicating voter support in Pune for the Congress.
The complainants allege that Shinde failed to effectively manage and mobilize the party’s machinery and organization. They accused him of walking out of meetings at crucial moments and speaking dismissively to office bearers, resulting in many members distancing themselves from the campaign.
In their complaint, the ex-corporators and other party members claimed that Arvind Shinde's inadequate leadership led to the party candidate’s defeat in Pune, a traditionally strong constituency for Congress.
They met with party in-charge Ramesh Chennithala, state president Nana Patole, former minister Balasaheb Thorat, and Vishwajeet Kadam in Mumbai, submitting a memorandum that called for Shinde's removal and the appointment of a young, dynamic leader in his place.
Chennithala acknowledged the receipt of the complaint and stated that internal conflicts had been noted during the election period. He emphasized that no actions should harm the party and assured that an appropriate decision would be made after further investigation.
Meanwhile, Shinde is currently on a pilgrimage to Pandharpur. He is expected to return to Pune on July 17, according to close associates.
