BJP expels 40 workers, leaders in Maharashtra following expulsions in Jharkhand

BJP’s stern warning to rebels

In a bold move ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections on November 20, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled 40 of its workers and leaders from 37 Assembly constituencies in the state. The expulsions come just a day after the party took similar action in Jharkhand, expelling 30 leaders for defying the party’s directive in the run-up to state polls.

The decision to expel the party members in Maharashtra is seen as a response to mounting internal dissent. Party leaders cited repeated violations of party discipline and efforts by these individuals to create divisions within the party. The expelled members were accused of attempting to disrupt the BJP’s unity and working against the party’s interests ahead of crucial state elections.

Maharashtra BJP leaders, including senior figures like Devendra Fadnavis and Chandrashekar Bawankule, have issued strong warnings to rebel elements within the party. Bawankule, the state BJP president, stated that action would be taken against those who defied the party after the elections. He confirmed that expelled members would be banned from rejoining the party for six years.

“We are actively assessing the situation and will take further action against those who left the party, as well as the groups they aligned with. These individuals will be suspended for six years, and the doors of the BJP will be closed to them,” Bawankule said in a statement.

The latest expulsions come amid growing discontent within the BJP, particularly over issues related to ticket distribution. Several party leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with their treatment during the selection process for the upcoming state elections. In a major blow to the party, Hina Gavit, a two-term Member of Parliament (MP) from the BJP, resigned from the party on Tuesday and announced her decision to contest the elections from the Akkalkuwa constituency as an independent candidate. Gavit is the daughter of BJP minister Dr. Vijaykumar Gavit.

In her resignation letter, Hina Gavit explained that she was stepping down from the BJP so that her decision to contest as an Independent would not cause further division within the party. “I am resigning so that the party does not face any problem because of my decision to contest as an Independent,” Gavit wrote in her letter, adding to the party’s growing internal struggles.

This latest round of expulsions follows a similar action taken by the BJP in Jharkhand, where 30 leaders were expelled from the party on Tuesday for defying party orders. The expelled leaders in Jharkhand had filed nominations to contest as Independent candidates against official BJP nominees in several Assembly constituencies for the upcoming elections.

A statement from the BJP’s Jharkhand unit confirmed that the rebel leaders were expelled for a period of six years for their defiance. “Thirty rebel BJP leaders were expelled from the party for six years for contesting against the authorized candidates and defying the party’s policies,” the statement read.

The recent expulsions and resignations highlight the growing internal turmoil within the BJP, particularly in states where assembly elections are imminent. The party, which is hoping to maintain its dominance in Maharashtra, is now grappling with significant challenges posed by rebel factions and dissatisfaction among its leaders.

With just weeks to go before the crucial polls, the BJP’s leadership will likely focus on consolidating its base and preventing further defections. However, the party must address these internal fractures if it hopes to secure a strong performance in the upcoming elections.

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