Cash-for-ticket charge sparks revolt in Chandrapur Congress

Chandrapur: Barely a day after the announcement of candidates for the municipal corporation elections, discontent within the Chandrapur Congress came out in the open, with senior grassroots leaders accusing the district leadership of sidelining loyal workers in favour of political outsiders.At a press conference on Wednesday, disgruntled office-bearers alleged that ticket distribution was influenced by "inside management", financial considerations and caste calculations, rather than organisational commitment and long-standing association with the party.VJNT Cell office-bearers Vijay Pohankar and Ratan Shilwar, both associated with the Congress for decades, alleged that party loyalists were ignored while relatives and close associates of senior leaders secured nominations. They pointed out that tickets were given to the brother of MLC Sudhakar Adbale and the wife of MP Dhanorkar's personal assistant, alleging neither had any significant party allegiance. Citing resentment among cadres, both Pohankar and Shilwar announced their resignation from their organisational posts.Senior party worker Avdhoot Kotewar, associated with the Congress for over 30 years, echoed similar criticism, alleging that individuals with limited experience or no formal affiliation were prioritised over former corporators and seasoned leaders. He said senior leaders denied tickets included six-term corporator Prashant Danav, former standing committee chairperson Nandu Nagarkar, and corporators Sunta Lodhiya, Umakant Dhande, Bapu Ansari, Vinita Khanke, Sakina Ansari, Sagar Khobragade and Durgesh Kodam.Former corporator Bapu Ansari alleged that monetary capacity and community influence were raised during candidate interviews. Congress state secretary Bandu Dhotre also criticised the emerging criteria in a social media post. Ansari claimed 13 sitting corporators were denied tickets while 35 newcomers were accommodated, warning of possible vote fragmentation in the polls.