The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has taken a strict disciplinary stance, suspending 22 rebel politicians from the party. The action was announced on Sunday by the party's city president, Kishore Shitole, citing "gross indiscipline" after the members refused to withdraw their candidacies and chose to contest against the party's official nominees.
Background of the Rebellion
According to senior BJP functionaries, the trouble began after the party announced its official candidates for the elections. Shitole revealed that while 110 aspirants had applied for tickets when the BJP invited applications, only 90 could be accommodated. This disappointment led to a significant number of hopefuls deciding to file nominations as independents. "Nearly 90 to 95 people filed nominations as independents," Shitole stated.
In response to this widespread rebellion, the party leadership swiftly formed a committee of senior members. This committee's mandate was to engage with the disgruntled aspirants, understand their grievances, and attempt to resolve the situation. "Our netas met them, listened to their anger and explained the party's position," Shitole explained. These efforts bore fruit, leading to 95 aspirants withdrawing their nominations and falling in line with the party's decision.
The Defiant Few Face Action
Despite the successful negotiations with the majority, a core group of rebels remained steadfast in their defiance. 22 aspirants refused to heed the party's directives. Shitole noted that the party's attempts at reconciliation were completely ignored by this group. Making matters worse from the BJP's perspective, 15 to 16 of these suspended members joined rival political parties and are now contesting the elections under those banners.
The BJP has termed this conduct unacceptable and made it clear that such actions will not be tolerated. The suspension is a direct consequence of their refusal to follow party discipline.
No Post-Election Compromise
In a move that underscores the severity of the action, the BJP has categorically ruled out any post-election understanding or alliance with the suspended rebels. Shitole was unequivocal in his statement, declaring, "Even if one of these individuals were to win, BJP will never ally with them."
He emphasized that the party's decision was driven by ideology rather than electoral arithmetic. "We work with a clear ideology. We will not take their support just to gain power, as that would send a wrong message to our lakhs of loyal workers who stood with the party through thick and thin," Shitole asserted. This stance highlights the party's priority on maintaining discipline and rewarding loyalty over short-term political gains.
The mass suspension in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar signals the BJP's hardline approach towards internal dissent, especially during election season, setting a precedent for party workers across Maharashtra.
