Mumbai: Two more names have been added – that of Milind Deora and party general secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia -- to the string of resignations that have followed Rahul Gandhi’s diktat to enforce accountability over the electoral defeat. However, political circles are unsure whether the resignations are part of a well-calibrated strategy to foist a young leadership on the party which is still in the thrall of the old guard. Or is it merely a farcical exercise in finding scapegoats? So, even as sources said that Deora was asked to resign after the poor performance of the party in 2019 Lok Sabha election, the city Congress unit chief claimed that he was looking forward to playing a role at the national level to help stabilise the party. The fact was immediately contested by his bête noire Sanjay Nirupam. "A resignation comes with a feeling of sacrifice. But, in this case, a moment later, a 'national-level' position is being sought. Is this a resignation or a ladder to climb up? The party should be cautious with such 'hard-working' people," Nirupam tweeted in Hindi.
After Deora announced his resignation from the post, the buzz was that Bhai Jagtap may be a possible replacement as city unit chief. Nasim Khan, another senior MLA, too is being mentioned but political observers point out his nomination will give a handle to the BJP and the Shiv Sena. Deora, who was appointed president of the Mumbai Congress just before the Lok Sabha polls, has recommended setting up of a provisional collective leadership comprising three senior leaders to oversee the city unit until the Maharashtra assembly polls, which are due later this year. But former Nirupam is not amenable. “Corporate entities are run by Board of Directors. The Congress party cannot be run by such panels,” Nirupam said while speaking to the FPJ.
If Deora’s suggestion is accepted, Jagtap and Nasim Khan may figure on the panel. Even when Nirupam’s removal from the post was being discussed, Jagtap was a front-runner. But Deora forced the leadership to appoint him instead. Bhai Jagtap has good hold on Labour Unions; he can also be a much-needed Marathi face in the city. Aggressive and a good speaker, he can be expected to take on the BJP-Shiv Sena combine. When contacted, Deora said political realities have changed since the Lok Sabha results. "We all will have to get ready for roles that these times demand," he said. Taking on the BJP-Shiv Sena and negating the impact of the 'Vanchit Aghadi' is a challenge for the Congress in Maharashtra, a statement issued by Deora's office said. Deora contested the Lok Sabha poll from Mumbai-South constituency, but lost to Shiv Sena's Arvind Sawant.