Sack those who cross-voted in MLC polls… don’t want needle of suspicion on us: Congress MLAs tell high command

Another MLA from Vidarbha pointed out that with Assembly elections around the corner, the issue can be used against the party by its opponents. “The whole episode raises a question mark on our integrity. Since we have no names in public domain, every MLA is under the scanner. If the situation remains so and no action is taken, our opponents will raise the issue in the Assembly elections against us. It will damage us and hence immediate action is necessary,” the MLA said.

According to a leader who is privy to the demands made by these MLAs, action is being sought only if the party is sure about the names. “The demand for action is being made. The MLAs have said that action should be taken only against those who they have certainly identified as traitors,” the leader said.

According to party insiders, six to seven MLAs cross-voted in the Council elections. In the biennial Council polls held on Friday for 11 seats, the ruling alliance won nine while the Opposition MVA won two seats. The MVA had fielded three candidates hoping to attract votes from the ruling alliance and smaller parties. Instead, some Congress MLAs switched their loyalties ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls in the state.

The party had given the responsibility to two senior leaders of instructing its MLAs on how to vote in the Council polls. Based on the inputs during the counting of ballots, party observers present at the counting centre have identified which MLAs did not follow the diktat.

After the results were announced, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole had announced that the ‘traitors’ will be taught a strong lesson. “There will be no inquiry, no committee. These MLAs will face direct action of suspension,” he said.

The party has prepared a report on the developments in the Council polls, which has already been given to the high command. The MLAs now want immediate action on the report to avoid the needle of suspicion on them ahead of the Assembly elections.