BJP Grappling With Rebels Ahead Of Municipal Polls
The exact picture of how many of them were in the race was not clear at the end of withdrawal of nominations on Tuesday 3 pm: Reports
HYDERABAD: The BJP is facing a rebel problem as dissident leaders, denied party nominations, have entered the fray as independents for the February 11 municipal polls at several of the 116 municipalities and seven corporations going to the polls.
The exact picture of how many of them were in the race was not clear at the end of withdrawal of nominations on Tuesday 3 pm. A senior leader also confirmed that they are yet to get details of rebels still in race.
As per reports, 5,462 rebels have filed nominations from many north Telangana districts and the competition was heavy in Jagtial, Nizamabad and Nalgonda districts.
State party president N. Ramchander Rao issued a strong warning two days ago, urging rebels to withdraw nominations immediately or face a 15-year suspension with no re-entry. "Party tickets were finalised collectively based on surveys and winnability. Any loyal worker denied a ticket will be honoured later," Rao stated and called on cadres to rally behind official candidates. The BJP is contesting in all 2,996 wards by itself.
In the Karimnagar corporation, Union minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar administered unique oaths to contesting candidates on the party ticket. They were made to take a pledge in the name of God and their parents, stating: "If elected, I will stay in BJP, serve people selflessly, work for the nation and society without fatigue, and never defect.”