12 Independent MLAs to boycott Rajya Sabha poll

Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan is confronted by a new political challenge as 12 independent members  (MLAs) have decided to boycott the Rajya Sabha elections. The elections will take place on July 22. The Congress has fielded Hussain Dalwai as their candidate.

The group leader of the independent MLAs Ravi Rana told DNA, “In a collective decision, all the 12 independent MLAs have decided to boycott the Rajya Sabha elections. It has been our experience that Congress has adopted the policy of use and throw. They always seek our support during formation of the government and elections. But never keep the promise of attending to our demands for development work of ourv respective constituencies.”

Interestingly, the developments signal intra-party unrest within the Congress which would also have adverse impact in the state council elections where votes are exercised through secret ballot. 

A senior Congress general secretary, on conditions of anonymity said, “The boycott may not adversely affect the outcome. But independents regrouping against the ruling party shows that a section is out to settle scores with the CM and are providing the dissidents support for vested interests.”