Deshmukh heaves ‘a sigh of relief’ as Alva exits Cong

Maharashtra Cong is not shedding tears at the exit of Margaret Alva who was AICC General Secretary in-charge of the state unit, party sources said.

The Maharashtra unit of Congress is not shedding tears at the exit of Margaret Alva who was AICC General Secretary in-charge of the state unit, party sources said.

They said many in the state unit, not just Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and his supporters, have heaved a sigh of relief at Alva’s exit.

During her tenure, Alva was critical of Deshmukh and his style of functioning and supported his detractor Revenue Minister Narayan Rane, the sources said.

Story continues below this ad

She hurt many office-bearers and leaders with her high- handed attitude. She faced the same allegations in Maharashtra that she has levelled regarding the distribution of tickets in Karnataka. The only difference is that Congressmen in the state have not voiced their allegation publicly as she has done, the sources added.

Alva gave Madhu Jain the party ticket to contest the legislative council bye-election last month despite opposition from the state unit, sources said.

Cracking the whip, Congress on Wednesday accepted the resignation of party general secretary Margaret Alva and also relieved her as member of the Congress Working Committee in the wake of her stinging criticism of party nominations in Karnataka assembly poll.

Trump accepts tariffs caused ‘rift with India,’ says it wasn’t an easy thing to do

World2 hr ago

Trump acknowledges that steep tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil have strained relations between the two countries. Talks to reduce tariffs have stalled as India resists opening its agricultural and dairy sectors. Despite the rift, Trump signals a potential reset and his nominee for ambassador to India says progress is likely.

View all shorts

Live Blog