Jaipur- Amid a sharp attack from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's family, Modi responded by asserting that all 140 crore Indians are part of his family.
In a show of solidarity, BJP leaders nationwide modified their social media handles to include "Modi ka parivar" (Modi's family).
However, as the BJP announced tickets for 15 out of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan, cracks within "Modi ka Pariwar" have begun to surface. Discontent and dissenting voices are emerging particularly from Churu, Banswara, and Jaisalmer seats, casting a shadow over the party's unity in the state.
The BJP recently made significant changes in its ticket distribution strategy, notably by opting not to repeat tickets for sitting MPs in certain constituencies. However, these changes have also stirred controversy, particularly with the nomination of two leaders who left Congress and joined the BJP and hold significant sway in their respective areas.
Dr. Jyoti Mirdha and Mahendra Jeet Malviya, both former Congress leaders, have been awarded BJP tickets for the upcoming elections. Dr. Jyoti Mirdha, who previously represented the Congress party, has been nominated from Nagaur, while Mahendra Jeet Malviya has been chosen to contest from the Dungarpur-Banswara constituency.
These nominations have caused a natural disappointment among some BJP members, especially those who were expecting ticket nominations or were hoping for the re-nomination of sitting MPs. The decision to field candidates from the opposition party has raised eyebrows within the BJP ranks and has led to internal strife in some areas.
Additionally, the BJP's choice to not repeat tickets for sitting MPs in certain constituencies has further fueled discontent among party members. While such decisions are part of the party's strategic realignment and efforts to rejuvenate its electoral prospects, they have nevertheless triggered dissent within the party.
Churu MP Rahul Kaswan has emerged as a central figure in the internal strife within the BJP in Rajasthan. Kaswan's recent actions have undoubtedly stirred the political cauldron in Rajasthan.
With his two tweets in quick succession, Kaswan has ignited speculation about his political allegiances and potential defection from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the Indian National Congress.
In one of his poignant tweets, MP Kaswan reflects on his contributions and service to his constituency, questioning the rationale behind the BJP's decision to cancel his ticket.
Expressing his bewilderment, Kaswan enumerates his virtues, asking whether he was not honest, hardworking, loyal, or dedicated to serving the people of Churu Lok Sabha.
He asserts his proactive role in implementing various schemes initiated by the Prime Minister, indicating his unwavering commitment to his constituents. Despite his self-assurance and dedication, Kaswan finds himself at a loss for answers as to why his ticket was revoked. His plea for clarity and introspection suggests a deep sense of betrayal and disillusionment, hinting at the internal turmoil within the BJP.
In another tweet, Kaswan expresses gratitude for the trust and support extended to him by his constituents. He vows to navigate through every challenge with their backing, striving to advance towards their shared goals and aspirations. Kaswan reassures his followers to remain patient, promising his imminent presence among them in the coming days, with further details to follow.
The backdrop of Kaswan's ticket being revoked adds another layer to the unfolding drama. Allegations suggesting Kaswan's involvement in the defeat of former minister and leader of opposition, Rajendra Rathore in the Taranagar assembly elections have further complicated his relationship with the party. Accusations of Kaswan's involvement in the defeat has cast a shadow over his political future within the BJP.
The interpretation of Kaswan's tweets has fueled rumors of his imminent departure from the saffron party. Many speculate that Kaswan might align himself with the Congress and contest from Churu in the upcoming elections. The Congress, too, has been eyeing the Churu parliamentary constituency and sees Kaswan as a formidable candidate to challenge the BJP's dominance in the region.
Mahendrajit Singh Malviya's Controversial Candidature
The nomination of Mahendrajit Singh Malviya for the Banswara Lok Sabha seat has also ignited a firestorm within the BJP. Criticism from Hakru Maida, a national executive member of the BJP Tribal Morcha, highlights the discontent surrounding Malviya's candidacy.
Maida's accusation that the party honored individuals who should have faced legal consequences instead suggests deep-seated frustration within the party ranks. Malviya's nomination has raised questions about the BJP's commitment to meritocracy and its core values, further exacerbating internal tensions.
Hakru Maida has been associated with the BJP for many years and has actively worked for the party. He has contested both Lok Sabha and assembly elections but faced defeat on both occasions. He is affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and is considered close to former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. Recently, when he did not receive a ticket for the assembly elections, he filed an independent nomination from the Banswara constituency.
After discussions with party officials, he withdrew his nomination. It is believed that the reason behind withdrawing his nomination was the hope of being given a ticket for the Lok Sabha elections. Now, upon not receiving a ticket for the Lok Sabha elections as well, he has voiced his concerns. Maida is currently a member of the Banswara Zila Parishad
A recently surfaced video featuring Hakru Maida captures him expressing his sentiments regarding the allocation of tickets within the BJP, where he acknowledges the authority of the party's top leadership in making such decisions. However, Maida also voices his disappointment, citing his decades-long commitment to politics and advocating for a fair opportunity. He highlights the collective demand from Banswara district officials for an investigation into alleged scams during the Congress government, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability within the political sphere.
" Certainly, those who were supposed to go to jail were honored by the party. We do not want to speak against them" Maida says. He further adds that the district president had sent a letter to the state president, in which the names of Arjun Singh Bamaniya and Mahendrajit Singh Malviya, who served as irrigation minister in the Congress government, were mentioned. At that time, papers were leaked, there were scams in irrigation, and a letter was sent in this connection.
The BJP in Rajasthan made significant changes in its ticket distribution strategy for the upcoming elections. The party denied tickets of five incumbent MPs. Notable changes include Mahendra Jeet Singh Malviya being nominated from Banswara (ST) in place of Kankamal Katara, and Para Olympian Devendra Jhajharia receiving the ticket for Churu instead of Rahul Kaswan.
Other replacements include Ram Swaroop Koli for Ranjita Koli from Bharatpur (SC), Lumbaram Chaudhary for Devji Patel from Jalore-Sirohi, and Mannalal Rawat for Arjunlal Meena from Udaipur (ST) reserve seat.
However, the party is yet to announce candidates for ten seats in Rajasthan, including Jaipur, Bhilwara, and Ajmer.
Notably, familiar faces within the BJP, such as Dushyant Singh from Baran-Jhalawar and Arjunram Meghwal from Bikaner, have been given tickets for the fourth time.
Other prominent leaders, including Gajendra Singh Shekhawat from Jodhpur, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla from Kota, and BJP State President CP Joshi, have received tickets for the third time, reflecting the party's trust in its seasoned campaigners alongside its willingness to embrace new faces.
Political pandits believe the BJP's handling of the internal strife in Rajasthan will likely have significant implications for its electoral prospects in the state. Failure to address grievances and manage dissent effectively could weaken the party's position and bolster the prospects of rival parties, particularly the Congress, which appears poised to capitalize on the BJP's internal discord.
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