In a major disciplinary action ahead of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suspended 32 of its members for six years. The crackdown targets individuals accused of indiscipline and anti-party activities, with prominent rebels Vinayak Dehankar and six-time corporator Sunil Agrawal leading the list.
Key Rebels Defy Party Directives
Vinayak Dehankar, the husband of former mayor Archana Dehankar, chose to stay in the electoral fray from Prabhag 17-D after being denied an official party ticket. His decision has created a multi-cornered contest against the BJP's official candidate, Manoj Sable, and Congress contender Guddu Tiwari.
Similarly, Sunil Agrawal, a well-known figure from Prabhag 14-D, refused to withdraw his candidacy despite intense persuasion from senior leaders. BJP city president Dayashankar Tiwari and MLC Parinay Fuke reportedly approached Agrawal, urging him to step aside in favour of the party's official nominee, Pragati Patil. He was even offered a nominated corporator's post if the BJP returns to power, but Agrawal rejected the offer, indicating his intent to test his personal strength.
A Message of Discipline and Loyalty
The suspensions were formally announced through a press note that underscored the party's top priority: discipline and loyalty. The note stated that action was initiated against members who were either working against the party's official candidates or contesting the elections themselves.
BJP city president Dayashankar Tiwari delivered a stern warning, stating, "The BJP is a disciplined party. During elections, the party's order is final. Whoever will not work for the party's official candidate or plays a hidden game against the party will not be spared." He clarified that after suspension, the concerned individuals would have no association with any BJP programme, post, or campaign.
Scale of the Rebellion and Damage Control
The scale of internal dissent was significant, with party insiders revealing that at one stage, around 96 rebel candidates from the BJP had filed nomination forms as Independents. While a majority, including former corporators like Amar Bagde, Vandana Bhure, Harish Dikondwar, and Rita Muley, eventually fell in line and withdrew, multiple contests remain open.
BJP leaders stated that the suspensions were a strategic move to send a tough message and prevent further damage from vote-splitting in key wards. They acknowledged that in these areas, personal clout and local equations had begun to weigh as heavily as the party symbol itself.
The sweeping action highlights the BJP's aggressive strategy to consolidate its position and present a united front in the upcoming Nagpur Municipal Corporation election, where every seat is crucial.
