In a major disciplinary move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Mumbai has suspended 26 of its office bearers for a period of six years. The action, announced on Thursday, targets individuals, including former corporators, who are contesting as rebel candidates or working against the party's official nominees in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Rebels Face the Axe for Defying Party Directives
The suspension order was issued by Mumbai BJP chief and MLA, Ameet Satam. He stated that the leaders were suspended for failing to cooperate with Mahayuti alliance candidates for the 2026 BMC polls, despite repeated appeals from the party leadership. The list of suspended members includes prominent names like Divya Dhole from Ward 60 (Versova), Nehal Amar Shah from Ward 177 (Matunga), Janhvi Rane from Ward 205 (Abhyudaya Nagar), and Asawari Patil from Ward 2 (Borivli).
A senior BJP functionary explained that the decision to drop certain sitting candidates was based on internal surveys and assessments, with winnability being the primary criterion. "There was high anti-incumbency and complaints about lack of citizen connect. Local office bearers had also complained," the functionary said. In the case of Nehal Shah, for instance, the ticket was given to Kalpesha Jesal Kothari, considered a strong local face. While many dropped candidates accepted the party's decision, some chose to rebel.
Anti-Party Activities Prompt Swift Action
Satam clarified that the suspensions were not limited to those fighting the polls as independents. "Most others are working against the party ideology and party line. Despite several requests and instructions, they continued anti-Mahayuti activities. So they have been suspended as part of disciplinary action," he stated. The party functionary cited that Nehal Shah not only filed her nomination against the official BJP candidate but also attempted to defame the candidate and harm the party's prospects.
Some within the party felt the action was delayed. Senior BJP functionaries acknowledged that the party took too much time to suspend the rebels, allowing the situation to persist. However, the decisive move now signals a strict stance on indiscipline.
Last-Minute Withdrawals Before the Crackdown
Prior to this mass suspension, the BJP had managed to convince some rebels to step back. Last week, party worker Sunita Yadav, who had filed as an independent from Ward 1 against official candidate Rekha Yadav, withdrew her nomination. Similarly, in Ward 221, former BJP corporator Janak Sanghavi pulled out, leaving the field clear for the party's official candidate, Aakash Purohit.
The sweeping suspensions underscore the BJP's intent to present a united front under the Mahayuti alliance for the crucial BMC elections. By taking strict action against those working at cross-purposes, the party aims to streamline its campaign and consolidate its position ahead of the 2026 civic polls.
