All-India Congress Committee observers warn members of stern action if anyone tries to sabotage Chavan’s bid
A last-ditch dinner diplomacy was made on Wednesday, and the Congress would be hoping that its ally, the NCP, will not renege on the deal. If things go wrong at the state council elections on Thursday, either the Congress-supported independent candidate, Vijay Sawant, or the NCP’s Prakash Bhinsale will bite the dust.
The All-India Congress Committee (AICC) on Wednesday sent central observers — Union minister for state Narayan Swami and AICC secretary Mohan Prakash — to ensure there will not be any sabotage from within. Both observers held day-long discussions with Congress cabinet ministers and MLAs, and sent out clear warnings that anyone found working against the party would be dealt with sternly.
Chief minister Ashok Chavan was busy making efforts to bridge the divide with the NCP. He said, “If the Congress and the NCP stay true to each other, it will not be tough to ensure wins for all seven coalition candidates.”
The elections for 10 seats, with 11 candidates in the fray, have led to rampant horse-trading with independents/small parties. The going rate for a single vote allegedly scaled the Rs1-crore mark.
Chavan will have to ensure victory for three Congress candidates — Sanjay Dutt, Dipti Chaudhury and Hussain Dalwai — and independent Vijay Sawant. The challenge before the NCP is to get its three candidates — Ramraje Nimbalkar, Vinayak Mete and Prakash Bhinsale — elected to the council.
MPCC chief Manickrao Thakre said, “We want the Congress and the NCP to work together to ensure their votes remain intact.” But what has upset the Congress is the lack of commitment from the NCP. A Congress leader said, “When we sent our emissaries to the NCP, pledging to support it in the council polls, and urging it to back us in the Rajya Sabha polls (June 17), their leaders said they did not need any help.”
MPCC spokesperson Kanhaiyyalal Gidwani hobnobbing with 15 independents made things difficult for the Congress. The central observers warned him not to work against the party’s interest. Revenue minister Narayan Rane stayed away from Gidwani. He ensured that New Delhi got the message that he had no role in the elections. Chavan had been wary of Rane working against him in the council polls.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}