The punitive action taken by the NCP in the form of notices issued against four of its party men, including a junior minister, for anti-party activities while campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls shows their desperate attempt to find possible scapegoats.

The Congress had set the precedent when it suspended seven of its leaders in Chandrapur, for the same reason. These moves of the ruling combine are nothing but a delayed reaction, considering that the elections have already taken place in the state. Congress’ action against its city mayor and six others from Chandrapur has come late, as the polling was held there on April 10.