In a move aimed at reshaping strategy ahead of crucial state elections, sixteen senior leaders of the Maharashtra Congress have penned a letter to party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, calling for the replacement of Mumbai unit chief Varsha Gaikwad.
The leaders expressed concerns over Gaikwad's tenure, alleging that her recent electoral victory in the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha constituency has left her with insufficient time to devote to organizational duties. They criticized her management style and cited instances where party support was reportedly lacking, particularly during the Mumbai North Lok Sabha campaign of candidate Bhushan Patil.
The letter, dated June 16, underscores the urgency for rejuvenating the party's presence in Mumbai ahead of upcoming assembly elections and long-delayed civic polls. Signatories include prominent figures such as Rajya Sabha MP Chandrakant Handore, former city chiefs Janardhan Chandurkar and Bhai Jagtap, and senior leaders like Naseem Khan, Suresh Shetty, Madhu Chavan, Charansingh Sapra, Zakir Ahmed, and Amarjit Manhas, Maharashtra Congress treasurer.
According to sources cited by news agency PTI, dissatisfaction with Gaikwad's leadership was evident during a recent protest related to the UGC-NET exam chaos, where party leaders felt excluded from crucial discussions, prompting them to stage separate protests in suburban areas.
The letter also criticized Gaikwad for allegedly failing to initiate significant activities to mobilize and unite the party cadre during her thirteen-month tenure as Mumbai unit chief.
A crucial meeting related to Maharashtra affairs is scheduled in Delhi on Tuesday, indicating a pivotal moment for addressing the leadership concerns raised by these senior party members.
In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, Congress secured only four out of thirty-six seats in Mumbai. During the recent Lok Sabha elections, the party managed to secure just one of the two seats it contested in the city, reflecting ongoing challenges in consolidating electoral support.
