Rebellion Brews in Pune Congress as Denied Leaders Go Independent

Three senior Congress leaders in Pune, discontent with the assembly ticket distribution by the Maha Vikas Aghadi, have announced their candidacy as independents. This move reflects internal disputes within Congress amid its struggle to maintain influence in the region ahead of crucial state assembly elections.

In a striking development within Pune's political landscape, three disgruntled Congress leaders have decided to contest as independent candidates in the upcoming state assembly elections. Unhappiness with the ticket allocation by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has led Aba Bagul, Kamal Vyavhare, and Manish Anand to break away from the party's lineup.

Kamal Vyavhare, the first woman mayor of Pune, is campaigning for the Kasba Assembly constituency. Meanwhile, Manish Anand is set to contest from Shivaji Nagar and Aba Bagul, a veteran leader with four decades in Pune Municipal Corporation, is running for the Parvati seat. The decision arises from dissatisfaction over Congress' shrinking presence and seat allocations that favor the NCP.

With the internal dissent signaling deeper issues within the Congress, many fear additional defections. As the state assembly polls loom, the outcomes of these independent candidacies may significantly influence the party's fate and its standing against rivals like the BJP. The situation remains tense as alliances vie for dominance in Maharashtra.

(With inputs from agencies.)