Congress Is Troubled As Allegations Against Sunil Kedar Surface, Endangering Official Party Contenders

Mumbai: As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach, rising political tensions are exposing deep internal conflicts within the Congress party. Senior leader Sunil Kedar faces serious allegations from his supporters that they are backing rebel candidates, endangering the party’s official contenders.

Congress candidates from Nagpur filed complaints against Kedar, prompting calls for intervention from Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. This situation intensified internal strife and discontent within the Nagpur unit of the Congress.

Rebellion in key constituencies

Kedar’s supporters rioted in four major assembly constituencies in Nagpur district. In Ramtek, former minister and district president Rajendra Mulak filed his candidature against Mahavikas Aghadi’s official candidate Vishal Barbate. Mulak is closely allied with Kedar, who was present during the nomination process alongside local lawmakers.

In Umred, Kailas Chute, a district council president and supporter of Kedar, has filed his candidacy against Sanjay Meshram, the official Mahavikas Aghadi candidate. Additionally, in Hingna, former district council president Ujwala Bodhare, another Kedar ally, is contesting against Ramesh Bang of the Sharad Pawar faction. In West Nagpur, Narendra Jichkar is challenging Congress candidate Vikas Thackeray.

This rebellion caused significant discontent within the Congress in Nagpur, where Kedar’s supporters openly opposed the official candidates. This turmoil threatens to undermine the unity of the Mahavikas Aghadi coalition, potentially damaging the Congress’s prospects in the crucial Nagpur region.

Leadership questions surface

Questions of leadership surface in the midst of this turmoil. The ongoing rebellion under Kedar’s influence raises concerns about the party’s internal cohesion, and failure to address these issues may exacerbate divisions.

Sunil Kedar, a prominent Vidarbha Congress figure, is now under surveillance for his leadership amid these rebellious actions. The dissent against the official candidates is alarming for the party and unless decisive action is taken against Kedar, negative consequences could follow.

Kedar’s challenge on party lines could lead to significant setbacks for the Congress in the upcoming elections. With revolt in key constituencies, the Congress leadership needs to prioritize unity to avoid damaging results as elections approach.