Congress Takes Disciplinary Action After Mumbai Poll Setback
The Congress party faces internal turmoil in Mumbai following its disappointing performance in the recent Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. Party leaders are openly expressing frustration, creating visible cracks within the local leadership structure.
Show-Cause Notice Issued to Bhai Jagtap
The All India Congress Committee has formally issued a show-cause notice to party MLC Bhai Jagtap. AICC Secretary U. B. Venkatesh signed the notice, which demands a satisfactory explanation from Jagtap within seven days.
The notice specifically questions why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him. It cites breaches of party discipline and violations of party ethics as the primary reasons for this action.
Public Criticism of Leadership
Jagtap attracted the party's ire by making public statements against the Mumbai Congress leadership. He openly demanded the resignation of Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad following the electoral results.
These anti-party remarks came immediately after the BMC election outcomes became clear. Several other netas have also expressed their anger publicly, though Jagtap's comments prompted the formal disciplinary measure.
Declining Electoral Performance
The Congress party's performance in Mumbai municipal elections has shown a concerning downward trend. In the 2017 BMC elections, the party secured 31 seats, representing a stronger position in the city's political landscape.
This year's results tell a different story. The party managed to win only 24 seats, marking a significant reduction from their previous tally. This seven-seat decline has triggered internal assessments and finger-pointing among party members.
Leadership Under Pressure
Varsha Gaikwad now faces mounting pressure as Mumbai Congress chief. The electoral setback has exposed existing fault lines within the party's Mumbai unit, with multiple voices calling for accountability.
The show-cause notice to Jagtap represents the party's attempt to maintain discipline while addressing the growing discontent. However, it also highlights the challenges facing Congress leadership in India's financial capital.
Political observers note that such public disagreements within party ranks could further weaken the Congress position in Mumbai. The coming weeks will reveal whether the party can unite behind a common strategy or if more internal conflicts will surface.
