Those having their feet in two boats cannot survive. And, in politics, there are a bunch of opportunists who have their feet in two boats. They keep jumping ships from one party to another for their selfish agendas and the political parties have to pay for it. But, BJP is reluctant to acknowledge the ill motive of these opportunists. Well, it needs to stop inducting them into the party.
Harak Singh Rawat- an Opportunist leader sacked from BJP
BJP’s hopes of utilising the talent of discarded leaders of the opposition are getting constantly undermined by the opportunistic leaders. The party, in a move to make these leaders face the music, is sacking them.
Uttarakhand Minister Harak Singh Rawat, who joined BJP in 2016, has recently been thrown out of the party as he was seeking tickets for his family members.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reported “Harak Singh Rawat was putting pressure on the party and seeking party tickets for his family members but we have a different policy, only one member of a family will be given a party ticket for elections.”
Rawat reportedly was seeking a ticket for his daughter-in-law Anukriti Gusain from the Lansdowne and wanted to change his constituency.
Soon after BJP expelled Rawat, the opportunist leader began apologising to Congress requesting them to induct him into the party. He also stated that Congress will form government in Uttarakhand after the upcoming Assembly elections, adding that he will work for the party.
Speaking to ANI, CM Dhami said, “He (Harak Singh Rawat) was given due respect till the time he was with us…When reports (of Harak Singh Rawat joining Congress) emerged…The party took the decision (to expel him). We have taken our call…Now it’s up to Congress to make a decision.”
Harak Singh Rawat was among 10 MLAs who had rebelled against then Harish Rawat-led Congress government in Uttarakhand in 2016. He later joined BJP. Riding on PM Modi’s wave, Rawat won the 2017 elections and became a minister in Trivendra Singh Rawat led Government.
Rita Bahuguna Joshi seeking a ticket for her son
The list does not end with Harak’s selfish behaviour. There are many other leaders included in it. One such leader is Rita Bahuguna Joshi, who likewise Rawat, had joined BJP in 2016.
Joshi, BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh, wishes to field her son in the upcoming assembly elections. She has offered to resign if the party agrees to her proposal. While interacting with the media, she stated, “He has been working since 2009 and has applied for a ticket from Lucknow Cantt, rightfully. But if the party has decided to give the ticket to only one person per family, I will resign from my present Lok Sabha seat if Mayank gets a ticket.”
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“I will always continue working for the BJP anyway. The party can choose to accept or reject my proposal. I had already declared that I won’t contest elections, many years ago,” she added.
And the list continues
Apart from Harak Singh Rawat and Rita Bahuguna Joshi, there are many leaders who are doing everything it takes to force their parties to allot tickets to their relatives.
Swami Prasad Maurya also quit the party. Reportedly, Maurya, who won the 2017 UP polls on BJP ticket from Padrauna and whose daughter Sanghmitra is a BJP MP from Badaun, were rebuffed as his son was denied a ticket.
The list of these leaders seeking a ‘son-rise’ is quite long. From union minister Kaushal Kishore, MP from Mohanlalganj to another BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, everyone wants to field their own family member from BJP ticket. The most interesting pitch is by BJP vice-president Daya Shankar Singh who is making a bid from the same seat from where his wife Swati, a minister too, is a lawmaker.
“I am a BJP man and there is no confusion with us. If I will get a ticket, Swati will sit out and if Swati gets it, I will have to sit out,” said Daya Shankar.
BJP needs to stop inducting such leaders
After the Narendra Modi government came to the fore in 2014, a lot of leaders have used the party to wash off their political sins. Many leaders had joined the BJP either because of the disgruntlement in their previous party or because they lost an election. Since they bring a support base with them, BJP tends to give them tickets to contest the election.
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With Narendra Modi being the face of the BJP in virtually every election, it becomes easier for the particular politician to win the election, as his core voter base merges with the voters galvanised under PM Modi. These opportunists are loyal to the party only to the extent of their demands being met. The moment they sense a better opportunity, they have no qualms about leaving the party.
Thus, the ruling government decision to induct them into the party backfires, especially in the poll-bound states. Witnessing an opportunity ahead of assembly elections, these opportunist leaders either leave the party or threaten them to do so if their demands are not met. That is why, to prevent any such events, BJP needs to stop taking in the political party
Politics and policies need a constant revision. BJP seems desperate to win elections. Blame this on the democratical structure of this country. Right from college, panchayat, municipalities, rajya sabha, loksabha there are elections. Is there any stability? More than 50% are in this to make money and know they have an opportunity which may not come again. Focus is not on giving good service but to serve self. This should be given a thought. In India we have a deadly political mechanism in place. Even Modi is not safe. Though unwilling, BJP will have to do horse trading. This is well engraved in Indian politics. It cannot be rid off completely. Power brokers call the shots. Family owned parties such as S.P., Congress, DMK, TRS, Akali Dal, RJD, Shivsena etc cry for democracy all the time but have no democracy within their own party. BJP in that sense is free from family nuisance but still cannot escape entirely.