After being expelled from the Congress for "anti-party statements", former Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam has called the party "organisationally disturbed". He specifically named five power centres within the party, one of them being general secretary K C Venugopal. Once considered a part of the "reformist" young brigade of the party, Venugopal has made a significant U-turn in his loyalty to the Congress. Despite facing challenges in his political career, Venugopal has risen through the ranks and is now a key player in the party's decision-making.
Sanjay Nirupam, a former Mumbai Congress president, was expelled from the party in October 2018 for making "anti-party statements." Nirupam subsequently launched a scathing attack on the Congress, alleging that it was "organisationally disturbed" and plagued by factionalism.
Nirupam's Allegations
Nirupam specifically named five power centers within the party that he believed were undermining its functioning:
He accused these individuals of running the party as a "private limited company" and marginalizing those who did not align with their views.
Background
Nirupam's expulsion came amid a period of intense turmoil within the Congress. The party had suffered successive electoral defeats and was facing allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Many leaders, including Nirupam, had voiced concerns about the party's leadership and its ability to mount a serious challenge to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Venugopal's Role
K C Venugopal, who was named by Nirupam as one of the power centers within the Congress, is a key figure in the party. He is a close aide of Rahul Gandhi, the former Congress president, and is considered to be one of the party's most trusted advisors.
Venugopal's loyalty to the Congress has been questioned in recent years. In 2016, he was accused of siding with the G-23, a group of dissident Congress leaders who were critical of Rahul Gandhi's leadership. However, Venugopal has denied these allegations and has remained a staunch supporter of the Congress.
Top 5 FAQs
Q1: Why was Sanjay Nirupam expelled from the Congress? A1: Nirupam was expelled for making "anti-party statements" and criticizing the party's leadership.
Q2: What did Nirupam allege about the Congress? A2: Nirupam alleged that the Congress was "organisationally disturbed" and plagued by factionalism.
Q3: Who did Nirupam name as power centers within the Congress? A3: Nirupam named K C Venugopal, Randeep Singh Surjewala, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Ahmed Patel, and Pawan Bansal.
Q4: What is the significance of K C Venugopal's role in the Congress? A4: Venugopal is a close aide of Rahul Gandhi and is considered to be one of the party's most trusted advisors.
Q5: Has Venugopal's loyalty to the Congress been questioned? A5: Yes, Venugopal has been accused of siding with the G-23, a group of dissident Congress leaders who were critical of Rahul Gandhi's leadership. However, Venugopal has denied these allegations and has remained a staunch supporter of the Congress.
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