Upset party workers assault two BJP leaders

Final list of candidates out, some leaders unhappy

Although the BJP has released its list of candidates for the civic polls late on Sunday, two of its senior leaders were roughed up by angry party workers after they learned that their names were missing from the final list.

State BJP spokesperson Vijay Jolly and Palam MLA Dharam Dev Solanki had to face the ire of party workers who manhandled them outside the house of Delhi BJP in-charge Venkaiah Naidu. They were blamed for allegedly being selective in ticket distribution.

Party workers alleged that BJP leaders, especially those who are part of the election committee, had taken money for giving tickets. “Money is the only criteria that is being considered for giving tickets. Whoever will pay them big will get a ticket,” alleged a BJP worker.

Upset over the incident, Jolly told mediapersons that such indiscipline will not be tolerated in the party and action will be taken against the workers.

Party workers from Uttarakhand, miffed with getting just five tickets in the upcoming municipal elections, protested outside Naidu’s house.  

In the last municipal elections in 2007, people from the hill state had got eight tickets and managed to win in seven wards. Councillor Laxmi Dhasmana, who hails from Uttarakhand, is learned to have lost her ticket from Brahmpuri.

‘Party ignored me’

She shouted slogan against party leaders for ignoring her. “They had assured me of a ticket. But now I learned that my name is not on the list. They are giving tickets from my ward to a contender who is not even from the area,” she said. “If that candidate can jump wards, why was I not allowed to do the same?” She wanted to contest from a nearby ward reserved for women.

A senior leader who is part of its election committee, said BJP is focussing more on candidates with proven track records in their respective wards. The final list is said to include Yogender Chandolia, chairman of MCD standing committee; mayor Rajni Abbi, education committee chairman Mahender Nagpal, and councillors Ram Krishan, Rajesh Gehlot and Anil Sharma.

“We made our selection on the basis of a survey that we conducted to get feedback from the public on the civic body,” said the BJP leader who does not want to be named.

No flower pots in BJP office

Fearing violent repercussions on the release of its list of candidates, BJP officials on Sunday removed potted plants from its state office on Pandit Pant Marg, reports DHNS. The office is usually decorated with several dozens of potted plants. But now they have been locked in a room. “It has been our experience that a mob often vents its annoyance by breaking potted plants and vases. To be safe this year, we have removed them in advance,” said a BJP worker.