Is this the face of the new Mumbai Congress chief?

Rumour has it that Mumbai Congress chief Kripashankar Singh, found to have links with the aide of multi-crore scamster Koda, may be sacked. Young MP Milind Deora seems the next strongest contender

Mumbai Congress chief Kripashankar Singh may be on his way out, sources in the Congress high command have hinted. After the CBI found evidence of financial transactions between Singh and Kamlesh Singh, an aide of tainted former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda, who was involved in a multi-crore scam, the Congress seems keen to replace him, especially since the civic elections are barely six months away.u00a0

Party spokesperson Nizamuddin Rayeen denied that an official decision had been taken. "Nothing has been announced on Kripashankar Singh. He is the chief of the party, the rest are rumours," said Rayeen. But the grapevine has it that the search for a new chief already has begun with Milind Deora, Priya Dutt and Dalit MLA from Chembur, Chandrakant Handore, in the running. Ex-mayor Nirmala Sawant, Opposition leader in the BMC Rajhans Singh, and MLC Bhai Jagtap are also being considered.

"It's a fight among Handore, Dutt and Deora, and it is Deora who seems to have a lead and will probably head the party in Mumbai," said a source, who did not wish to be named. Another party functionary pointed out that with BMC elections only six months away, the party will have to find a face that can get them votes.

When asked to confirm the rumours, Milind Deora remained neutral. "I conveyed to the senior leaders in Delhi last week that I am content with whatever responsibility I have been given. I am on various committees and also became a member of Parliament at a young age. I still have a long way to go. If given the responsibility, I will fulfill it and give it my best." Singh could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.