Indore: Internal squabbles likely to cost Congress dear in municipal polls

Factionalism is likely to cost the Congress dearly in the upcoming municipal polls, as the candidates who disregarded the party high command and filed nominations are unwilling to renege on their support to the nominated ones.

Factionalism is likely to cost the Congress dearly in the upcoming municipal polls, as the candidates who disregarded the party high command and filed nominations are unwilling to renege on their support to the nominated ones.

About 12 -15 candidates had filed nominations as per the directions of the Congress top brass. However, the party had announced a separate list of candidates later.

Congress city president Pramod Tandon on Friday said the 'rebels' should extend support to the candidates nominated by the party within 48 hours. However, the ultimatum had no affect on the 'rebels' until Sunday evening.

According to sources in the party, the 'rebels' might not surrender their support to the nominated candidates, as it was a matter of self-respect and reputation. One of the candidates, who disobeyed the party high command, said: "We worked tirelessly for our party and our leaders in return deceived us."

A party veteran, on condition of anonymity, said the move would be detrimental to the party, as the votes would be divided among its own tribe, and the rivals would benefit from the move.

Tondon said: "We have not taken a decision in this regard. We will discuss the issue with others and take a call on Monday." Factionalism within the party came to the fore recently when a few party members had accused the seniors of indulging in foul play while distributing party tickets.