It’s a Crown of Thorns: Nirupam Tells New Mumbai Cong Chief Deora

The Congress appointed Milind Deora as Mumbai Regional Congress Committee chief, replacing Sanjay Nirupam.

A file photo of Milind Deora.

(Photo: Sandeep Mahankal/IANS)

Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, on Tuesday, 26 March, reacted to Milind Deora replacing him as the new Mumbai Congress chief, saying the position was “a crown of thorns”.

“As far as Milind Deora is concerned, he is like a younger brother to me. I congratulate him for his new responsibility. This is a crown of thorns. It will be made sure that no complain goes to the central leadership from Mumbai,” he said while speaking to News18.

The Congress on Monday appointed former Union minister Deora as Mumbai Regional Congress Committee chief, replacing Sanjay Nirupam.

Nirupam had been at loggerheads with senior party leaders in the state and the move has come as a bid to quell the intense infighting within the Mumbai Congress.

“Congress President Rahul Gandhi has appointed Milind Deora as the new president of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee. The party appreciates the contribution of outgoing president Sanjay Nirupam," a statement from the party said.

Nirupam, meanwhile, was nominated as the party candidate from the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency. Deora, the son of former oil minister Murli Deora, is considered close to the Congress chief.

Moments after his appointment, Deora spoke to the media and said that he is thankful to the party president for the opportunity and hopes to bring “positive agenda” for the city.

“I thank former party President Sonia Gandhi and the current President Rahul Gandhi who gave me this responsibility at such a crucial time. Mumbai is a city of diversity, we’ll take everyone together and present a positive agenda for the people of Mumbai. 

Milind Deora

‘I Welcome Party’s Decision,’ Says Nirupam

Meanwhile, Nirupam who is a former two-time Rajya Sabha member and was appointed as the president of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee in March 2017, faced backlash from the local leaders during his stint.

Deora was among the leaders who was critical of Nirupam leadership.

However, hours after the announcement, the former Sena leader welcomed the party’s decision and congratulated Deora. “He is my friend and like my younger brother. I offer my greetings to him that he successfully shoulders responsibility given to him by Congress and I will support him,” Nirupam.

(With inputs from PTI and ANI)