The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Amravati is grappling with significant internal strife and public dissent following the controversial distribution of election tickets. Party workers have erupted in anger, accusing senior leaders of favoritism and corruption, leading to a visible protest and strong criticism from within the ranks.
Workers Protest Alleged Favoritism and Corruption
On Friday, discontented BJP workers staged a demonstration at Rajkamal Chowk in Amravati. The core of their grievance was the alleged practice of prioritizing new entrants over dedicated, long-time party members for election tickets. The protesters demanded strict action against the party officials responsible for these decisions.
Shraddha Gehlot, a party worker, voiced the collective frustration, stating that loyalists who had worked tirelessly for the party were being ignored. She alleged that tickets were being given to family members of leaders and outsiders. In a serious accusation, Gehlot claimed that former minister and MLA Sanjay Kute was intoxicated when the decision to allot tickets to outsiders was finalized.
Leaders and Saints Join the Criticism
The protestors issued a stern warning, stating they would not tolerate what they termed an "insult to saints" and vowed to challenge the party leadership. This sentiment found support from prominent saint Shakti Maharaj, who criticized BJP officials for becoming arrogant and neglecting grassroots workers. "Party leaders have forgotten those who worked hard to build the organisation. We will not tolerate this insult to saints," he declared.
Adding weight to the internal crisis, Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule publicly acknowledged a major error. On Friday, he admitted that denying a BJP ticket to Advocate Prashant Deshpande from Ambapeth Prabhag was a "blunder" by those tasked with finalizing candidates. Deshpande serves as the state vice-president of the BJP's legal cell.
Bawankule Attempts Damage Control
In an effort to manage the fallout, Bawankule visited Advocate Deshpande at his residence. The meeting, which lasted over an hour, was also attended by MP Dr. Anil Bonde and MLA Pratap Adsad. According to sources, Bawankule assured Deshpande of further discussions on January 4, indicating an attempt to placate the aggrieved leader and address the growing discontent.
The unfolding events in Amravati highlight a deep-seated conflict within the local BJP unit. The accusations of nepotism, corruption, and the alienation of the party's core base pose a significant challenge for the leadership as they head into the electoral fray. The outcome of the promised discussions on January 4 will be closely watched to see if the party can bridge this internal rift.
