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Khadse, who won the Umarkhed seat as a Congress candidate in 2009, was hopeful of securing a nomination again this year. He has claimed that internal party surveys placed him as the most popular candidate in the constituency.
Vijay Khadse alleges that Congress leadership overlooked his candidature in favour of an “outsider” candidate at the Umarkhed seat.
Vijay Khadse, former Congress MLA from the Umarkhed Assembly constituency, has stirred a major controversy by raising a banner of rebellion after being denied a party ticket. Khadse has decided to contest as an Independent candidate in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, submitting his nomination on Tuesday. In a scathing attack, he has accused Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole of “selling tickets,” alleging corruption in the candidate selection process.
Khadse, who won the Umarkhed seat as a Congress candidate in 2009, was hopeful of securing a nomination again this year. He has claimed that internal party surveys placed him as the most popular candidate in the constituency, with a strong base of support. Despite his expectations and previous record, Khadse alleges that Congress leadership overlooked his candidature in favour of an “outsider” candidate, fueling his disappointment and frustration. He accused the Congress of ignoring loyal party workers, stating that the candidate selection process lacks transparency and accountability.
Referring to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s recent Bharat Jodo Yatra, which aimed to reinvigorate party supporters across India, Khadse pointed out that the campaign’s message of integrity and unity now seems questionable in light of the current situation. He highlighted that Gandhi had reportedly advised the Maharashtra Congress selection committee to follow strict guidelines in candidate selection, particularly emphasising a mandate against offering tickets to those suspected of corruption. However, Khadse has alleged that Patole disregarded these guidelines, implying that his own candidacy was sidelined due to Patole “selling the party ticket” in a non-transparent manner.
These allegations from a senior leader and former MLA like Khadse have raised questions about potential internal dissent within the Congress party. Khadse’s accusations could pose a serious challenge for Congress, especially as it strives to fortify its position in Maharashtra amid heightened competition. His remarks have also sparked political speculation around the Maharashtra Congress’s candidate selection process, with some questioning if other constituencies might face similar internal conflicts.
In response to Khadse’s claims, Patole issued a brief statement, saying, “Everyone in Maharashtra knows who is really for sale, so I prefer not to make further statements on this matter.” While Patole refrained from providing further details, his remark has added to the intrigue surrounding Khadse’s allegations and the broader discontent within the Congress.
Khadse’s decision to run as an Independent candidate could have significant implications for Congress’s prospects in Umarkhed, a constituency that the party has traditionally considered a stronghold. This internal division within Congress, sparked by Khadse’s departure, may weaken the party’s chances, as votes are likely to be split in what could be a highly competitive election.
As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach, Khadse’s rebellion underscores the challenges Congress faces in maintaining unity and transparency among its ranks. This division could affect the party’s performance not only in Umarkhed but also signal a deeper issue that may impact Congress’s campaign strategy across Maharashtra.
