Congress city unit seeks suspension of rebels from the party

Pune: The Congress party city unit has demanded the suspension of party leaders for rebelling and contesting the forthcoming state assembly elections.
"We gave a report to the seniors. In the letter written to the state unit and other party authorities concerned, we demanded the suspension of the rebels. Their act of contesting elections in such a manner amounts to anti-party activity," said Arvind Shinde, head of the Congress party's city unit.
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has failed to overcome rebellion in three seats in Pune, despite attempts by the top brass to convince hopefuls to withdraw their nominations. The deadline to withdraw the names was Monday.
In the rebellion, senior Congress functionary Aba Bagul will continue in the race and contest from Parvati. Similarly, former mayor and Congress leader Kamal Vyavahare will be a part of the Kasba Peth race, while Manish Anand, another Congress functionary, will fight from Shivajinagar.
As per party sources, only two candidates are still with Congress.
Kamal Vyavahare, who resigned from the party's primary membership, said, "I quit all key party positions before going to polls as a candidate. I doubt the party can send me any notices."
Bagul, a former deputy mayor, said, "I have not done any anti-party activity. I have not received any letter or notice from the state yet,"
Manish Anand said he, too, had not received any letter or notice in this regard. "I am seeking clarification from the party on why I was not offered the ticket. My work and connect with the people have helped the party in our areas. I did not find any valid reason to quit the polls," he said.
Of the eight seats in Pune, seven are with Mahayuti (five with BJP and two with NCP), and one seat—Kasba Peth—is with MVA (Congress).