Congress Expels Ten Over Nilanga Council Polls Dispute

The Congress expelled ten members for contesting against party directives in the Nilanga municipal council polls in Latur. The decision was made by Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal. The group, aligned with a BJP MLA, aimed to weaken Congress's electoral prospects by promoting independent candidates.

The Congress has taken decisive action by expelling ten members who contested the Nilanga municipal council polls in defiance of party orders. This disciplinary move was sanctioned by Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal, according to Latur district Congress president Abhay Salunke.

Salunke emphasized that the Congress has nominated 23 candidates for councillor positions and one for municipal president, all chosen based on merit and strong public connections, devoid of any factional influence. The party is optimistic about securing a clear majority.

However, fractures are evident within the party as a faction, reportedly backed by a BJP MLA, supported independent candidates for the president's position and ten councillor seats. This strategy is seen as an attempt to undermine Congress and bolster the BJP's electoral chances.

(With inputs from agencies.)