Mumbai, May 31: Raju Waghmare, spokesperson for Shiv Sena, has sharply criticized the Congress party’s operational methods and the political landscape in Karnataka. He alleged that decisions within Congress are made not based on ideology or organizational capability, but rather on the preferences of the high command and the influence of leaders close to them.
When questioned about leadership changes in Karnataka and D.K. Shivakumar, Waghmare stated that Congress operates according to the desires of the party high command. He claimed that the leader closest to the high command receives priority in both organization and power. Waghmare sarcastically noted that in Congress, those who succeed in pleasing the top leadership are valued more than those with merit.
He pointed out that Siddaramaiah’s statements clearly indicate his reluctance to change leadership voluntarily, but he had to yield to the high command’s wishes. This could increase dissatisfaction among the party’s veteran leaders, potentially impacting the party’s unity in the future.
Addressing questions about Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, Waghmare remarked that the decline of Congress cannot be attributed to a single individual. He emphasized that the party’s biggest issue is that established leaders at the state level do not allow new and young leaders to rise. He noted that pathways for second and third-generation leaders have been blocked within the party.
Waghmare accused Congress of relying on the same faces for too long, leaving little room for newcomers in the organization. He observed that while other political parties have embraced new leadership over time, Congress has lagged behind. He asserted that the high command often listens to established leaders, preventing grassroots workers from getting opportunities.
He also mentioned that this operational style of Congress is affecting its electoral performance. According to him, the democratic process within the party has weakened, which is why Congress continues to lose its public support.
Responding to questions regarding the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections and seat distribution within the Mahayuti, Waghmare stated that the opposition lacks issues, leading them to seek differences within the alliance. He claimed that the opposition should first be concerned about its political future.
Waghmare assured that continuous dialogue is taking place among all component parties of the Mahayuti, and senior leaders have resolved all issues collectively. He noted that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and other senior leaders have reached an agreement on seats and strategies after several rounds of discussions.
He argued that the opposition is trying to propagate discontent and differences within the Mahayuti, while the reality is quite the opposite. According to him, there are no disagreements within the alliance, and all parties are preparing to contest the elections unitedly.
Waghmare expressed confidence that all candidates from the Mahayuti will win in the elections. He mentioned that Eknath Shinde has already claimed that all alliance candidates will be victorious, and he fully believes in this statement. He added that once the election results are out, the public will respond to the opposition’s accusations.
Waghmare concluded by stating that the Mahayuti is entering the election arena with full strength and unity. He emphasized that all issues within the alliance have been resolved through dialogue, and now the focus is entirely on winning the elections.
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