NCP said that many Congress activists were eager to join NCP and are waiting for finalisation of reservation of municipal wards for the PMC elections
City MP and Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi’s arrest may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for its main competitor as well as alliance partner Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) for the forthcoming election of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) as the NCP is expecting exodus of panic stricken Congressmen.
NCP spokesperson Ankush Kakade told the media that even though Kalmadi was arrested, many Congress activists were eager to join NCP and are waiting for finalisation of reservation of municipal wards for the PMC elections. With Kalmadi’s arrest, the number of Congress workers joining NCP will double.
He said that Kalmadi had lost touch with local activists in the city. It had led to restlessness amongst Congress activists. On the other hand NCP has strong leadership of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar who acts swiftly to help party workers.
He said that the NCP was not thinking in terms of political gain in election of PMC due to arrest of Kalmadi. It is unfortunate that a city MP was arrested in this manner. NCP spokesman refused to comment on Kalmadi’s arrest saying the matter was subjudice.
Kalmadi has single-handedly led Congress party in the city for two decades. He has provided the party leadership as well as organised financial support for the elections. Now, with Kalmadi being arrested by CBI, the party would not have capable fund raiser and organiser to fight onslaught of NCP, its main competitor. NCP leaders are hoping to strengthen its ranks by accommodating local Congress leaders panicked after fall of Kalmadi.
The NCP was formed in 1999 under the leadership of Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar. The party derives strength from many former leaders of the Congress, including Pawar. Both the NCP and Congress have similar support base and political culture. Hence, they have been competitors despite having alliance in central government, state government and PMC.
Justice done: Hazare
“I have full faith in the country’s judiciary and the arrest of the tainted Pune MP Suresh Kalmadi has re-enforced my faith,” said veteran Gandhian activist Anna Hazare.
Hazare was speaking to DNA after Kalmadi’s arrest in Delhi. He was in Pune to attend a hearing in the court and for his check up for osteoarthritis.
Hazare pointed out that he had raised his voice, regarding the massive corruption perpetuated by Kalmadi last year itself. “I was the first one to file an FIR against the MP for his involvement in the graft. Justice has prevailed and I am sure he will face the consequences of his deed,” he said.
When asked about the timing of the arrest, Hazare refused to link it with his recently concluded nationwide campaign for the passage of the Jan Lokpal Bill. “I do not think our campaign had anything to do with the arrest. I am sure the judiciary will deal with Kalmadi in the right manner,” he said.
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