Mumbai Congress chief Milind Deora resigns; to play 'national role'
What's the story
Mumbai Congress President Milind Deora has announced his resignation from the post on Sunday, only months ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections scheduled to take place in October this year.
However, Deora, who was appointed to the post in March, said that he was looking forward to playing a national-level role to help stabilize the Congress party.
Here's more.
Details
Deora announced resignation after meeting Rahul Gandhi on June 26
Announcing his resignation from the post of the Mumbai Congress chief, Deora also proposed the setting up of a three-member committee, comprising senior party leaders, to lead the Mumbai unit of the party until the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Deora reportedly expressed his desire to quit from the post shortly after meeting former Congress President Rahul Gandhi on June 26.
Statement
Challenge for Congress to take on BJP-Shiv Sena: Statement
According to a statement released by Deora's office, it is a challenge for the Congress to take on the BJP-Shiv Sena in Maharashtra as well as to negate the impact of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi.
"The same has been conveyed to All India Congress Committee general secretaries Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal," the statement said.
On resignation
'Have to get ready for roles that these times demand'
Deora said that after Lok Sabha election results, there is a change in political realities.
"We all will have to get ready for roles that these times demand," he added
"I had accepted MRCC presidentship in the interest of uniting the party. I felt I should also resign after meeting Rahul Gandhi (who resigned as Congress President)," he said.
Quote
Will continue to guide and unite the Mumbai Congress: Deora
"I have suggested a three-member panel (to oversee the city party unit) and am being consulted by leaders to identify names. I look forward to play a national role to help stabilize the party...I will continue to guide and unite the Mumbai Congress," Deora said.