Cong credible alternative to BJP-Sena in Mumbai: Deora

Mumbai Congress president Milind Deora Monday said his party had put up a good fight in the metropolis in the Lok Sabha polls and was able to convey to people that it was a credible alternative to the BJP-Sena which he accused of misgovernance.

The Congress contested on five of the six Lok Sabha seats in the city, polls to which were held on April 29. One seat was contested by ally NCP.

Speaking at a review meeting, Deora said candidates and workers had put up a remarkable fight and asked them to start preparing for the Assembly polls scheduled in the state later this year.

"The party is proud of the fight given by its candidates and has been able to convey to the people of Mumbai that it can emerge as a credible and viable alternative to the misgovernance of Sena-BJP regime," Deora said.

He said time to dislodge the BJP-Sena from the city had come, adding that the Congress would prepare a detailed vision and mission statement for the holistic development of Mumbai.

He said the Congress will engage with developmental economists, social scientists and citizens to roll out a plan that helps Mumbai achieve its deserving place on the world map.

The Congress developmental vision will be socially inclusive and will focus on the welfare of workers, youth, students, women and the socially and economically marginalised with special thrust on housing to create a truly developed and equitable society.

Speaking at the meeting, the party's South Central candidate and senior leader Eknath Gaikwad said Deora's call to prepare for Assembly elections is a commendable step in the right direction.

Mumbai North candidate Urmila Matondkar and Mumbai North Central contestant Priya Dutt also attended.

Senior leader Mohammed Arif Naseem Khan proposed a resolution condemning the statement made by Prime Miniser Narendra Modi against former PM Rajiv Gandhi which was unanimously passed by the attendees.