BJP Takes Strict Action, Suspends 69 Members in Pune for Six Years
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken decisive disciplinary action by suspending 69 of its members in Pune for a period of six years. This significant move targets individuals, including former Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) corporators, who were found engaging in activities deemed detrimental to the party's interests.
Rebels Contested Against BJP in PMC Elections
Dheeraj Ghate, the city unit chief of BJP, confirmed the suspensions on Wednesday. He stated that the action was initiated following a directive from the party's state unit president. "Those party members who contested the PMC election against BJP were suspended for six years," Ghate explained. The suspensions specifically apply to members who participated in the January 15 polls as candidates for rival parties or as independents, directly opposing BJP nominees.
BJP officials clarified that the list includes names of rebels who defected to other political groups after being denied party tickets. Some of these individuals managed to secure victory and were elected as corporators in the recent elections, further complicating the internal party dynamics.
Suspended Members Express Discontent Over Ticket Allocation
In response to the suspensions, affected members voiced their grievances regarding the ticket distribution process. One suspended BJP member lamented, "The party promised us tickets but denied them at the last moment. Some of us were left with no option but to fight on our own. We are hopeful the party will rethink its decision and withdraw the suspension."
Another suspended member highlighted perceived injustices, claiming that the party allocated tickets to politicians who had recently joined BJP from other parties just ahead of the polls. "It was an injustice to the loyal workers. So many of us preferred to rebel and contest as a mark of protest," they added, underscoring the frustration among long-standing party workers.
BJP-RPI Alliance Secures Two-Third Majority in PMC
Despite the internal turmoil, the BJP's electoral performance in Pune remained strong. The party formed an alliance with the Republican Party of India (A), sharing seven seats. This coalition proved successful, as the alliance secured 119 seats in the 165-member Pune Municipal Corporation house, achieving a commanding two-third majority.
The suspensions underscore the BJP's stringent approach to maintaining party discipline, especially in the wake of local body elections. This action serves as a clear message to members about the consequences of opposing the party's official candidates, while also reflecting the ongoing challenges in managing internal dissent and ticket distribution strategies within political organizations.
