Kamat's ways make Cong leaders angry

MUMBAI: Trouble is brewing within the Mumbai Congress ahead of crucial elections in the city. The local MPs and MLAs, upset with the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC) chief, Gurudas Kamat’s style of functioning, are planning to take up the matter at the highest party level with Sonia Gandhi.

Mr Kamat’s allegedly authoritarian style is causing much heartburn as many Congressmen complain of their shrinking political space. “We have no work these days, everything is handled by our president Gurudas Kamat,” a Congress MP said.

Some even paint a gloomier picture saying Mr Kamat’s way of conducting business may affect the party’s chances in the polls. “Some Congress leaders may simply withdraw from the electioneering if the situation continues,” a party functionary said.

“Two first-time MPs have also written to the party chief Sonia Gandhi complaining about Kamat’s autocratic ways,” let on a Congress leader. Another pointed out how local leaders are not invited for official party functions in their respective areas.

In the recent past Eknath Gaikwad, Congress’ north central Mumbai MP, and Nasim Khan, a Congress MLA, had a public spat with Mr Kamat. Former Sena MP and now a Congressman Sanjay Nirupam, too, has locked horns with him on several occasions.

“Yes, I was upset with him on certain issues,” Mr Nirupam said. He, however, refused to share any more details. Sources said Mr Nirupam felt humiliated the way he’s being treated in the party. He is also understood to have communicated this to the party high command.

Another faction that’s not getting along well with him is the group led by former Sena man Narayan Rane. The immediate cause for friction is Rane’s attempt to have more of his supporters in the Congress list while Mr Kamat is out jockeying for his workers.

The former chief minister has his own way of functioning, in sharp contrast to that of Mr Kamat. Rane supporters view Mr Kamat as a lightweight vis-à-vis their leader. “In the coming elections, Mr Rane will have a greater say in getting tickets for his supporters,” a Rane loyalist said. Mr Kamat was not available for comments.