After being suspended from the Congress party for anti-party activities, Aba Bagul, a rebel candidate from Parvati assembly constituency, broke his silence on Monday and questioned the party leadership. Bagul, who was denied a ticket from Parvati Assembly Constituency of Pune city asked why senior leaders had not approached him before the deadline for withdrawal of candidatures on November 4.

"Why were they silent until November 10? The last date was November 4 (for withdrawal of candidatures) before that did you meet anyone (referring to rebel candidate), did you try to convince them (to withdraw their nomination)?" Aba Bagul said while speaking to ANI. Bagul also expressed his disappointment about being promised a ticket for four years, only to be overlooked by senior leaders of the party. He claimed that senior leaders in the state were attempting to weaken the Congress party, stating, "You were appointed to manage the Congress; do not try to become its owner."