In a surprising development ahead of local body elections in Maharashtra, several Congress leaders from Kalyan have tendered their resignations from party posts. The mass resignations, submitted on Wednesday, include Sachin Pote, the chief of the Congress Kalyan unit. Party sources said the move came weeks before the proposed Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) elections.

Resignations follow high-command directive to reshuffle posts

Leaders told the media that the KDMC elections are imminent but the party has not yet announced an official election programme. Sachin Pote said his decision to step down followed a directive from the party high command asking local units to make way for new office-bearers. He emphasised that the resignations were a procedural step to facilitate organisational changes rather than an act of protest.

Pote stressed loyalty despite outside pressure

Speaking after submitting his resignation, Pote insisted that he and his supporters remain loyal to Congress ideals and leadership. He said external pressures and offers from rival political parties to induce defections had not swayed him. ‘This resignation is aimed at strengthening organisational unity and preparing the ground for fresh leadership,’ he told reporters, adding that the move should not be seen as a sign of internal discord.

Elections schedule tightens political activity in Maharashtra

Municipal elections in Maharashtra are scheduled for the first week of December. Voting for 246 municipal councils and 42 town panchayats will be held on December 2, with results due on December 3. Elections for civic bodies classified as municipal corporations are expected to take place in January 2026. The flurry of resignations in Thane reflects wider pre-election realignments as parties reposition ahead of the polls.