"Sanjay Nirupam Suggests Future Intentions with 'Victory to Lord Ram'"

"The seasoned politician secured the position in 2019 but faced defeats in the preceding and subsequent elections in 2014 and 2019. Today, he firmly stated his intention to run for office again, even considering switching sides if necessary."

Recently ousted from the Congress, Sanjay Nirupam, known for his critique of Nehruvian secularism, hinted at his future trajectory by invoking "Jai Shri Ram." When asked about his plans, the 59-year-old hinted at joining another political faction, emphasizing the significance of his statement. Nirupam, expelled for his outspoken remarks against Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena UBT, especially after they announced candidates for various seats, including Mumbai North West, which Nirupam had his eyes on.

Having tasted victory in the Mumbai North seat in 2009 but facing defeats in subsequent elections, Nirupam affirmed his readiness to contest again, even if it means switching allegiances. The Mumbai North West seat falls under the domain of Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, yet to unveil its candidate, while Thackeray's faction nominated Amot Kirtikar, prompting Nirupam's vow to challenge and defeat him.

Despite facing censure from the Congress for "indiscipline" and "anti-party statements," Nirupam remained unyielding, asserting that secularism should embrace religious identities, contrasting it with what he deems as the outdated Nehruvian secularism. He castigated the Congress and its allies, declaring the Congress defunct and labeling the Maha Vikas Aghadi as a conglomeration of "ailing units." He criticized the Congress's internal dynamics, highlighting a communication chasm and the proliferation of factions.

Feeling unheard by the party leadership, Nirupam denounced the handling of the Maharashtra alliance, condemning the allocation of seats to the Shiv Sena, including his own. He accused the Congress of capitulating to the Shiv Sena and allocating the seat to a figure embroiled in scandal under the scrutiny of the Enforcement Directorate.