Maharashtra Congress Secretary Shehzad Poonawalla has come out against his own party and Rahul Gandhi in particular, saying that the party has rigged the party president elections in Gandhi's favour and said that it's not an election, but a selection.
I have got info that the delegates who are going to vote for the party president elections are fixed, its rigged. They have been appointed for their loyalty. Yes It takes courage to speak out, there will be all kinds of attacks against me,but I have facts: Shehzad Poonawalla pic.twitter.com/On13hqIteP
— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2017
He dared Rahul Gandhi to quit his post as Congress Vice-President and fight the elections fairly as opposed to using his surname as leverage and said that he would contest in the elections if they are conducted in a fair manner. He also challenged him to a live debate on TV, saying "Will he be ready for a televised debate where we both as contestants can have a debate on what is our vision for the Congress party? We can be judged on merit, not on the surname."
Shehzad Poonawalla is the younger brother of Tehseen Poonawalla, also a Congress worker. In response to Shehzad's statements, Tehseen has publicly slammed his brother, saying that he is disassociating with him.
" I have got Shehzad Poonawalla up as my child . It pains me deeply to see him do this. This is totally unacceptable. We need to strengthen the Congress & allies to win. Any grievance could have been put up at appropriate forums . My wife & I disassociate with him ."
— Tehseen Poonawalla (@tehseenp) November 30, 2017