Urmila Matondkar Quits Congress, Blames 'Petty Politics Inside Party'

Actor-turned-politician Urmila Matondkar on Tuesday resigned from the Congress party. Urmila was the Congress candidate from Mumbai North seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. She had lost to BJP veteran Gopal Shetty. She blamed the internal petty politics of Congress party for her decision to quit.

In a statement, Urmila said: "I have resigned from the Indian National Congress. First thought of resignation came to me when after my repeated efforts, no action was taken in pursuance of my letter dated 16th May, addressed to then Mumbai Congress President Mr. Milind Deora."

"Thereafter, to my utter dismay, the said letter containing privileged and confidential communication was conveniently leaked to the media which according to me was an act of blatant betrayal. Needless to say, no one from the party was apologetic or even concerned towards me for the same despite my repeated protests."

"Significantly, some of the persons specifically named in my letter for the shoddy performance of INC in MUMBAI North were rewarded with newer positions instead of holding them accountable for their acts and omissions."

"However, it is obvious that the key functionaries of Mumbai Congress are either unable or not committed to bring about a change and transformation in the organisation for betterment of the party. My political and social sensibilities refuse to allow vested interests in the party to use me as a mean to fight petty in-house politics instead of working on a bigger goal in Mumbai Congress."

"I stand by all my thoughts and ideologies and will continue to work for people to the best of my capacity with honesty and dignity.

"I thank all the people who helped and supported me through my journey. I also wish to sincerely thank the media."