Possible setback for BJP as rebels threaten Mandi contest.
The BJP faces a challenge retaining the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh with rebellion brewing in its ranks. Three local leaders including the son of former MP Maheshwar Singh, who were denied tickets earlier, have met eight others threatening to upset the party’s prospects.
Having rebelled and secured thousands of votes individually last Assembly polls, they are now coming together as dissatisfaction grows over preferences being given to Congress defectors.
The former chief minister tried appeasing Mahewar Singh, but the next day, a strategy meeting was held amongst disgruntled leaders that could challenge its sitting MP Pratibha Singh. In Amravati meanwhile, ruling ally Prahar Janashakti Paksha projecting its nominee has made it a three-way fight.
The party’s chief, Bacchu Kadu, is ready to end NDA ties if necessary, but he is unwilling to heed the BJP’s candidate Navneet Rana.
Local Shinde Sena and Congress figures, too, expressed reservations, risking division of votes against a united opposition campaign.
With internal disarray posing trouble in the two constituencies, retaining them is proving harder for the ruling alliance.
