Factionalism within Congress comes to fore in Meerut

, Apr 3: With the Lok Sabha elections drawing closer, factionalism within

has came to the fore in Meerut where the party has fielded actor-turned-politician

in a bid to wrest the seat from rival BJP.

Congress's Meerut city unit president Saleem Bharti today alleged that two senior party leaders -- zonal coordinator Pradip Consul and former MLC and AICC member Harendra Aggarwal -- had been trying to influence Nagma and hijack the election campaign in the district.

He also alleged that they have been ignoring local party leaders and supporters which has created resentment within the rank and file. Bharti claimed he had issued notices to the leaders for their activities.

When contacted, Aggarwal rejected the allegations levelled by the city unit president and said the latter did not have the authority to issue notices to senior leaders.

Asked about the issue, party's western Uttar Pradesh in-charge Pankaj Malik, however, said he was not aware of the matter.

PTI