Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 10: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam launched a scathing attack on the Congress party on Thursday, accusing it of embracing caste-based politics to secure votes, while abandoning its foundational nationalistic values.
Referring to a recent resolution passed at the Congress' Ahmedabad convention aimed at consolidating support among OBC voters, Nirupam alleged that the party is “fueling caste divisions for short-term political gains.”
“Instead of countering forces that divide the nation along caste and religious lines, the Congress has chosen to ride the same wave. The resolution was less about upliftment and more about vote banks,” the former MP stated.
Nirupam compared the party’s current approach with its legacy policies such as economic liberalisation, Gram Swarajya, and nationalisation of banks.
“This isn’t the Congress of the past. Back then, it stood against divisive politics. Now, it’s mimicking regional outfits, prioritising identity politics over inclusive governance,” he said.
He further warned that the Congress is losing its national character. “Its actions resemble that of a regional party desperate for votes, rather than a national party with a unifying vision.”
Shifting his focus to local politics, Nirupam took a dig at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray. He questioned Thackeray’s sudden interest in civic inspections, especially concerning drainage works in Mumbai, after being out of power.
“For 25 years, Sena-UBT ran the BMC, yet Aaditya never showed up for drain inspections. Now, when out of office, he’s suddenly active. Is this governance, or just another tactic to exert influence over contractors?” Nirupam questioned.
He lauded Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for what he termed as “visible improvements” in Mumbai’s infrastructure.
“Under Shinde’s leadership, Mumbai’s roads have transformed. The shift to concrete roads has virtually eliminated potholes. This is the kind of real, on-the-ground progress citizens need,” he concluded.