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Unity in Calamity: Assembly poll defeat is the glue, says Maha Cong prez Sapkal
Nagpur: Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal stated that factionalism within the party is a closed chapter and the cadre and leadership are united ahead of the crucial local body polls.
During a visit to the TOI office on Monday, Sapkal stated, "There is unity in calamity," highlighting that the 2024 assembly poll debacle brought everyone on the same page as it was a question of survival. Sapkal added that Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) delegated powers to district-level units on local body poll alliances, and therefore there won't be a uniform statewide alliance formula.
Following the massive defeat in last year's polls, where Congress bagged just 16 seats, various factions now recognise the wisdom of joining hands.
Sapkal responded to a specific question on infighting within the Nagpur unit, stating, "We recently organised a Sadbhavna rally in Nagpur, which was led by Vikas Thakre. Sunil Kedar delivered a speech there and even Nitin Raut was present. So, everyone is together and working for the party.
There are differences in every party, even BJP has that."
Regarding his role in uniting the party, Sapkal stated, "I played a minor part.
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I think the assembly poll defeat served as a glue. Also, I am a non-controversial neta and enjoy good relations with everyone. This helps in getting your point across to different people in the party." Sapkal said, adding state-rung leaders should have done more during the 2024 campaign.
As Maharashtra prepares for upcoming local body polls, the primary question concerns alliances. Sapkal stated, "We have already delegated power to local units to decide on tie-ups.
This means that there could be an alliance in Mumbai and not in Nagpur. Local units are the best judge of the political equation and grassroots necessity."
Media reports abound about a proposed alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), as both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have not denied it yet. If the two-cousins join hands, Sapkal stated it would not impact Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). He added, "MVA was formed to ensure BJP is kept out of power.
Hence the objective of keeping BJP at bay remains the same, so another party coming into the MVA fold does not matter.
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Sapkal outlined a blueprint for rejuvenating the party in Maharashtra. He stated, "We are receiving reports from observers and are filling posts at all levels. There will be fresh appointments to block-level based on interviews. The focus is to usher a change from the grassroots." Regarding Lok Sabha leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's allegations of rigged polls in Maharashtra, Sapkal stated, "Election Commission of India must provide details of voters who came to the booths during the last one hour.
We requested CCTV footage so that voters and their identities can be verified."
Sapkal mentioned they are preparing for the 'mashaal rally' in Gadchiroli on June 12. He said, "The rally is being held to raise questions on social, political and agrarian issues."
