It seems that the Congress’ woes and groupism will never abate as the party’s Madhya Pradesh unit took a direct hit below the waterline on Thursday when its vice-president Manak Agrawal tenderied his resignation in protest against denial of tickets by some “influential” Congress leaders to his supporters for the civic bodies’ elections.
Agarwal quit his post following differences with the party over ticket distribution for the forthcoming civic polls in the State. Agarwal, who was upset with Congress after some of his supporters in Itarsi were denied ticket, said ticket distribution was done on the direction of ‘fake’ leaders. His resignation came from his post on Thursday after the candidate for Itarsi municipal council chairman was changed by the MPCC.
Agarwal had proposed the name of Pramila Goyal for the post which is reserved for women. On the other hand, India Mahila Congress president Shobha Oza wanted a ticket for Madhavi Mishra. The ticket was earlier awarded to Goyal but on Wednesday, the candidate was changed and Madhavi Mishra got the ticket following which Manak Agarwal resigned from the party post.
He added that he would not join any other party. Agarwal also made serious accusations against Shobha Ojha and former Union Minister Suresh Pachouri. Agarwal while talking to The Pioneer said, “Mahila Congress president Shobha Ojha and former PCC chief Suresh Pachouri have been instrumental in a last-minute change vis-a-vis the Itarsi candidate.”
Agrawal dispatched the letter to Congress President Arun Yadav who would forward it to party President Sonia Gandhi. The Congress leader alleged an exodus by partymen who feel neglected by the bigwigs.
BJP State president and MP Nandkumar Chouhan has also alleged on Wednesday that the State Congress is selling local body election tickets and that the State leadership of the grand old party has shamed not only the Congress but the entire political community. Civic elections in Madhya Pradesh are scheduled to take place in two phases — on November 28 and December 02.