With the Municipal Corporation elections approaching, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is actively addressing the growing internal dissent within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Over the past few days, Fadnavis has been reaching out to disgruntled candidates and party workers in various cities to prevent potential disruptions to the party’s electoral prospects. He has specifically targeted rebels who could harm the BJP’s chances in major corporations.
To tackle the rising number of dissidents in key municipalities, CM Fadnavis has personally contacted local leaders, instructing them to manage the internal discord effectively. Additionally, he has been provided with a list of specific rebels whose actions could impact the party’s performance in the elections. The Chief Minister has not only taken steps to suppress the rebellion but has also delegated senior ministers and party officials to engage with the dissenting members and persuade them to align with the party’s objectives.
In an effort to ensure minimal interference with the party’s official candidates, Fadnavis has assigned specific responsibilities to senior leaders like Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Chandrakant Patil, Girish Mahajan, and state BJP President Ravindra Chavan. These leaders have been tasked with overseeing cities where the internal dissent is most pronounced. The Chief Minister has even engaged directly with influential rebel candidates to address their concerns and encourage them to withdraw their opposition.
The BJP’s move to address internal discord comes amidst growing discontent among loyal party workers. Incidents of unrest, including protests against party members like Minister Atul Save and senior leader Bhagwat Karad, have been reported across the state. In Nashik, aspirants have criticized Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan for allegedly neglecting loyalists during ticket distribution. The party has also faced challenges in areas like Mira Road, where former BJP corporators have formed independent panels to challenge official nominees, complicating the party’s electoral strategy.
