Following the Mahayuti alliance’s victory in nine out of 11 seats in the Maharashtra legislative council elections, state Congress president Nana Patole announced that the party has identified those who betrayed it by cross-voting. In a strong statement on Saturday, Patole labeled the defectors as “traitors” and assured that they will face consequences.
Patole stated, “We have identified the traitors. Their names and an overall report have been sent to the party high command. They will have no space in the party anymore. Within two-three days, action will be taken against them.” He further added that these same individuals were responsible for the defeat of Congress leader Chandrakant Handore in the council elections two years ago. “A trap was laid this time and they have been identified. They will be punished so that no one dares to betray the party again,” he emphasized.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also commented on the situation, alleging that the seven Congress MLAs who cross-voted this time had similarly done so in the 2022 MLC polls. Raut accused the BJP of unconstitutional practices, claiming they bribed MLAs to secure cross-voting.
The election results dealt a blow to the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) as a candidate backed by Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) lost. The results revealed that at least seven Congress MLAs defied the party’s directive during voting.
Raut also criticized the central government in relation to the Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas, a day observed to mark the imposition of Emergency in India. He accused the BJP of being the real “murderer of the Constitution.” Raut stated, “The Central government is going to observe the imposition of Emergency as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas.’ Isn’t it unconstitutional to get MLCs elected by MLAs who are facing disqualification? Isn’t it unconstitutional to purchase MLAs by bribing them? The BJP is the real murderer of the Constitution.”
This situation has highlighted the internal conflicts within the Congress party and the alleged external influences affecting the integrity of the electoral process. With promises of swift action against the defectors, the Congress party aims to reinforce its stance against disloyalty and maintain party discipline.