Discontent is simmering within the ranks of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra, as concerns rise over the inclusion of defectors from other parties at the expense of longstanding party members, according to sources familiar with the matter.
An anonymous party leader acknowledged that many seasoned BJP members feel neglected but are hesitant to voice their concerns publicly. Referring to state BJP vice president Madhav Bhandari, the leader highlighted the dissatisfaction among party workers, stating, “Like Bhandari, there are numerous workers who are upset due to the influx of individuals from other parties, compromising the well-being of dedicated party members.”
Chinmay Bhandari, the son of Madhav Bhandari, expressed his frustration on social media, asserting that his father’s significant contributions to the BJP over five decades have been undervalued. He emphasized Madhav Bhandari’s role in the party’s growth and criticized the lack of adequate recognition for his capabilities. “My father is a fiery spokesperson who played a prominent role in opposing the [Congress-led] UPA [United Progressive Alliance] government in Maharashtra from 2008 to 2014. His efforts span 50 years, during which he tirelessly worked to build the organization in various parts of Maharashtra,” Chinmay Bhandari stated.
He further lamented that despite Madhav Bhandari’s consistent efforts, he remains one of the least rewarded leaders within the party. “Twelve times in my life, I have seen his name in contention for either the assembly or the upper house, and twelve times, it has not been finalized,” added Chinmay Bhandari, expressing disappointment at the lack of recognition for his father’s contributions.
The dissatisfaction within the party comes amid the high-profile defection of former chief minister Ashok Chavan from the Congress to the BJP, where he has been nominated as a Rajya Sabha candidate. Anticipating more defections, with over a dozen Congress leaders and lawmakers expected to switch sides before the February 27 Rajya Sabha polls, concerns arise over their potential inclusion in the BJP or the state’s ruling parties led by Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party or Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena.
The unnamed party leader cited instances where outspoken figures like Pankaja Munde paid the price for openly addressing perceived injustices. Criticizing the induction of figures like Ajit Pawar as the deputy chief minister and Ashok Chavan into the BJP, the leader emphasized that these decisions have not resonated well with committed party workers, particularly those associated with the party’s ideological foundation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
