As the Lok Sabha elections approach, former MP Sanjay Nirupam faces a pivotal moment following a dramatic exit from Congress. A day after his expulsion on grounds of anti-party activities, Nirupam aimed sharp criticism at the oldest political party in India, alleging arrogance within its leadership. The speculation is rife about Nirupam's next political chapter - with eyes on whether his path will lead to Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena or BJP.
Which Seat is Nirupam Staking Claim To?
Commencing his address with 'Jai Shri Ram', Nirupam captured everyone's attention. He remarked on the continual rise of gold prices and PM Modi's skyrocketing popularity. Nirupam declared his intention to contest the elections, specifically from the Mumbai Northwest Lok Sabha constituency, emphasizing he would do so under a party banner.
Sanjay Awaiting an Auspicious Moment
Sanjay Nirupam mentioned the current period isn't auspicious, and hence, he anticipates announcing his future political strategy during Navratri. With a resignation from Congress, and no possibility of joining MVA, Nirupam's focus is on the Mumbai Northwest constituency, which, under the seat-sharing formula, is held by CM Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena.
Strong allegations were made against Congress, with Nirupam claiming it has become a relic of the past with monumental arrogance in leadership. He lambasted the five power centers of Congress - Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, and general secretary KC Venugopal - asserting that the party is surrounded by individuals disconnected from the grassroots. He targeted Maharashtra party president Nana Patole and Venugopal, asserting that Congress leadership has become rusted and obsolete.
Uddhav Fields Candidate for the Mumbai Northwest Seat
According to sources, Shinde's Shiv Sena is still on the lookout for a strong candidate for this seat. Uddhav Thackeray has already declared Amol Kirtikar as the constituency's candidate. To stand against Uddhav's faction, Shiv Sena requires a formidable contender. Furthermore, the Northwest Mumbai seat is a bastion of Marathi voters, but Nirupam, a strong North Indian face, enjoys a good level of popularity there.
BJP Leaders Oppose Sanjay's Inclusion
Following Nirupam's departure from Congress, some BJP members have opposed his inclusion in the MahaYuti alliance. Tweets by a few BJP leaders expressed their dissent, tagging CM Eknath Shinde. During an interaction with the media, supporters of Sanjay Nirupam chanted 'Jai Shri Ram', suggesting the possibility of him joining Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena to contend in the elections. Notably, on March 12th, Nirupam had an extensive meeting with CM Eknath Shinde and Ashok Chavan that lasted for three hours.
