‘Sidelined’ Congress MLA campaigns for Shiv Sena’s Rahul Shewale

MUMBAI:

Kalidas Kolambkar

, the disgruntled Congress MLA from Wadala, has extended his support to Shiv Sena candidate

Rahul Shewale

contesting from Mumbai South Central constituency.

Kolambkar, a close aide of former chief minister Narayan Rane, had recently courted controversy for putting up a banner of CM Devendra Fadnavis outside his office. There were also rumours of him defecting to the BJP. Kolambkar was earlier in the Sena and had walked out with Rane to join the Congress.

Speaking to mediapersons on Wednesday, Kolambkar said, “I have received no communication from the Congress leadership so far regarding the

Lok Sabha

elections. Congress candidate Eknath Gaikwad, who is contesting from my South Central constituency, too, hasn’t even spoken to me. I am deeply disappointed with the Congress leadership. Keeping all this in mind, I have extended my support to Shewale and will campaign for him.”

Shewale was in Naigaon on Wednesday for his campaign and Kolambkar joined him there.

Kolambkar’s support to Shewale might be a setback for Gaikwad. While Gaikwad managed to get MNS to campaign for him, one of the only two Congress legislators from his constituency will be campaigning for his rival. Kolambkar has a significant base and has won the assembly election six times so far. “Kolambkar wants development in his constituency and he will support whoever helps him achieve that,” said Shewale.