gujarat-bjp-removes-26-rebels-ahead-of-municipal-polls

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Vadodara has taken strict action against 26 leaders who defied party discipline by contesting the municipal elections as independent candidates.

 

The expelled members, who were unhappy over ticket distribution, have been removed from the party for six years, marking a significant internal shake-up ahead of the upcoming elections.

 

The decision was made by the Vadodara district BJP leadership after several party members, disappointed with the candidate selection process, chose to file nominations independently for the Karjan Municipality elections.

 

This rebellion was seen as a major challenge to the party’s authority and electoral strategy, prompting swift disciplinary action.

 

The expelled leaders include Sumar Mahmadbhai Jamod, Jaibunisha Mehebubkhan Pathan, Dinesh Manubhai Vasava, Saroj Prakashbhai Vasava, Manu Mohanbhai Vasava, Renuka Rajeshbhai Patel, Deval Laxmanbhai Bharwad, Vanrajsinh Mehtapsinh Raulji, Dipmalakumari Hemrajsinh Rana, Digvijaysinh Ranjitsinh Atodariya, Yuvrajsinh Bharatsinh Raulji, Mitalben Devendrasinh Chavda, Bhupendra Chiman Patel, Kanti Kanjibhai Parmar, Mahendrasinh Ratansinh Chauhan, Pravinbhai Manibhai Solanki, Rameshbhai Karshanbhai Patel, Sanjay Magan Parmar, Harshad Gordhanbhai Chauhan, Bhikha Bapubhai Solanki, Kamlesh Jentibhai Parmar, Nitin Mohanbhai Vasava, Rajendrasinh Madhavsinh Chauhan, Sandip Raghunathbhai Parmar, Kiran Narsinhbhai Patel, and Jayanti Govindbhai Solanki.

 

This action comes at a crucial time as Gujarat prepares for its municipal elections, scheduled for February 16.

 

The elections will cover various local self-governance bodies, including the Junagadh Municipal Corporation, 73 municipalities, Kheda district panchayat, and taluka panchayats in Kathlal, Kapadvanj, and Gandhinagar.

 

Additionally, by-elections will be held for vacant seats in multiple municipal corporations, municipalities, district panchayats, and taluka panchayats.

 

The Gujarat State Election Commission has announced that voting will be conducted on February 16, while the counting of votes is set for February 18.

The elections will also see a 27 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), as per the state government’s directives.