In a significant political development just days before the Amravati Municipal Corporation (AMC) elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formally severed its alliance with the Yuva Swabhiman Party (YSP), led by MLA Ravi Rana. The decision marks a major shift in the local political landscape ahead of the polls scheduled for January 15.
Alliance Dissolved Over Betrayal Claims
The move was officially confirmed by Dr. Nitin Dhande, the Amravati BJP city president, on Sunday. He stated that the YSP failed to honour its commitment by fielding candidates against BJP nominees in several wards, which was a clear violation of their pact. Consequently, the BJP has decided to withdraw its support for YSP candidates and will instead back independent contenders in those constituencies.
"The Yuva Swabhiman Party did not honour its commitment and fielded candidates against BJP in several wards. Therefore, on these seats, we are backing independent candidates who are ideologically aligned with the BJP," Dr. Dhande explained. The initial agreement had allotted five seats to the YSP as part of the coalition.
Public Fallout and Campaign Shifts
Tensions between the two parties, which had been building for days, became publicly visible during a campaign event in Chaprasipura on Saturday. In a telling gesture, BJP guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule invited two independent candidates onto the stage in Ward 9, sidelining the YSP nominees. He urged voters to support candidates contesting on the apple and matchbox symbols, which are the election symbols of these independents.
Notably, Navneet Rana, the former Lok Sabha MP and wife of Ravi Rana, was present at the same event but did not intervene. Dr. Dhande clarified her continued role, stating, "She is our national leader and is campaigning for BJP. She attended all BJP rallies alongside Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule today." He confirmed that Navneet Rana would continue to campaign for BJP candidates despite the split with her husband's party.
New Support Map and Electoral Implications
With the alliance now dissolved, the BJP has extended its support to independent candidates in specific wards. The party will back independents in:
- Two wards of the SRPF Wadali area
- One ward in Gadgeshwar
- One ward in Badnera Juni Wasti
- One ward in Rajapeth
This strategic shift effectively ends the short-lived partnership and sets the stage for a multi-cornered contest in these areas. Efforts to get comments from Ravi Rana and Navneet Rana regarding the breakup were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
The last-minute breakdown highlights the volatile nature of local political alliances and could significantly impact the outcome of the closely watched Amravati civic polls. All eyes are now on how this split influences voter sentiment in the affected wards.
