BJP grapples with internal disputes in Amreli, Vadodara, Rajkot

Ahead of Uttarayan, Bharatiya Janata Party’s headquarter is bustling with preparations to restructure its organisation. 

After appointing ward presidents, the process of selecting city and district presidents has begun. 

However, even before the selection of new state leaders, the BJP is reportedly struggling with internal skirmishes, as instances of ‘letter politics’ and factional conflicts have come to the fore. 

Intense lobbying for city and district president posts has caused friction among BJP leaders and workers. Accusations are flying high, and amidst all this, BJP leaders are tarnishing the party's image in the cooperative sector.

Anti-party reports reach Delhi

Some BJP leaders appear to be acting against their party. The lack of damage control has severely dented the party’s disciplined image. Reports of anti-party activities have even reached Delhi, leaving the high command displeased.

Amreli letter politics

Currently, internal disputes within Gujarat BJP have affected the party’s reputation. Certain issues have left the state leadership concerned. In Amreli, a controversy arose when police paraded Payal Goti, a Patidar girl, in connection with a letter issue targeting Deputy Speaker Kaushik Vekariya.

This incident has angered the Patidar community across Gujarat. Former MP Naran Kachhadia accused a BJP MLA of orchestrating the parade to appease certain leaders.

This controversy forced the government to backtrack and establish a committee to resolve the matter.

Meanwhile, the Congress and AAP have also attempted to gain political mileage. Congress leader Paresh Dhanani has gone on a hunger strike. The state police chief has ordered an investigation, and both BJP and the government are under pressure.

President woes in Vadodara

In Vadodara, a dispute arose after District president Satish Nishaliya reasserted his claim to the position. 

Women worker Bharti Bhanvadia reportedly accused him, saying, “Show us a single significant contribution you’ve made as an MLA or district president. You’re only focused on advancing your political career. If that’s the case, why not aim for the chief minister’s chair?”

Her comments have heated the political atmosphere in Vadodara, with the issue escalating to the party’s headquarters. The matter is expected to intensify further after the city president’s appointment.

Rajkot’s ruckus in BJP

The competition for influence has led to political lobbying. In Rajkot, lobbying for the city president’s post has already begun.

Dissatisfaction has erupted even before the selection process, with former minister Arvind Raiyani and other leaders reportedly accusing the current district president of autocratic behaviour. With over 30 contenders, internal unrest has left state leadership in a dilemma.

While the pamphlet controversy in Amreli remains unresolved, a forgery scandal has surfaced in Keshod.

A letter recommending a transfer to PGVCL was forged under the name of BJP city general secretary Jatin Sodha. The misuse of his name and signature has sparked outrage within the party. Preparations are underway to file a police complaint regarding this forgery.

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