Nirupam says, "We believe in Hindu traditions but don't mix politics with religion like BJP-Sena do"
Congress' Mumbai chief Sanjay Nirupam, who had put in his papers on February 23, the day when Mumbai civic results were declared, and taken “moral responsibility” of his party's poor show in the polls, has retained his chair, at least for now.
His resignation, despatched to the party's central leadership within minutes of the results, and his admission of infight and erring party leaders had shocked everyone. However, his resignation has not been accepted by the party yet. Nirupam says, “Yes, I am continuing as of now.”
After a month of introspection and recovery, the party is now set to give a push to the organisation by expanding its base among youngsters. The youth wing of the party -- Indian Youth Congress -- has been roped into start massive membership drive from tomorrow, the “auspicious day of Gudi Padwa”.
Nirupam and Indian Youth Congress President and MLA Raja Brar will attend the inaugural ceremony near Mithibai college in Vile Parle. The extensive membership campaign will continue for next three weeks and will mainly focus on college students and youngsters, said Nirupam.
The party's move to choose the day of Gudi Padwa to start something new has surprised the observers. “Party is known to have a strong base among minorities. Their senior leaders in the past had been regular with Iftar and Christmas parties but have largely avoided associating themselves with the Hindu festivals. Perhaps consistent drubbing in the general, assembly and civic elections has forced them to recast their strategy,” said an analyst.
Political analysts say that the grand old party which has stuck to the "secularism: narrative since the beginning might shift towards “soft Hindutva” in next few years to counter the hardline Hinduta ideology which has helped rivals BJP and Shiv Sena in a big way since 2014 general polls.
Another observer reminded that Congress leaders Milind Deora and Digvijay Singh had recently congratulated people on Shivratri on social media, an unusual move for both.
Nirupam, however, rejects the suggestions that party seeks to adopt soft Hindutva. “We wanted to start our drive on an auspicious day, hence Gudi Padwa was chosen as the Hindu and Maharashtrian new year starts from the day.”
He further said, “We all are Hindus and believe in Hindu traditions. Only that we don't mix politics with religion as BJP and Sena do it. I myself organise big events on Ganapati, Navratri and Chhath Pooja but never put Congress' board on it, unlike Sena which puts up its banners on Ganpati pandals.”
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 "Sanjay Nirupam")
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