Gujarat elections 2022: BJP suspends 12 rebels contesting as independents

In a disciplinary action taken by the saffron party, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), 12 rebels have been suspended from the party for filing nominations as independent candidates ahead of the Assembly elections in Gujarat. The move comes after these candidates failed to get tickets by the party for Assembly elections. On Sunday, BJP had also suspended seven rebels for similar reason.

This brings the total number of candidates suspended by BJP to 19 for engaging in anti party activities and also contesting against the party candidates. A BJP communication reveals quoting Gujarat state president C.R Patil saying, “These MLAs have been suspended for six years for having indulged in antiparty activities.”

The suspended candidates include Dinubhai Patel from Padra, Madhubhai Shrivastav from Vaghodia, and Kuldeep Sinh Raul, all three from the Vadodara district. B Pagi from Shahera in Panchmahal district, Dhawal Sinh Jhala from Aravalli district and Ram Sinh Thakor from Mehsana. Two candidates have been suspended each from Anand, Banaskantha and Mahisagar districts. Manavjibhai Desai and L Thakor are from Banaskantha, SM Baant and JP Patel are from Mahisagar and Ramesh Jhala and Amarshi Bhai Jhala have also been suspended from Anand district.

For decades now, Gujarat has been a state of two sided fight between BJP and Congress. But this election, a third angle has also been brought in with AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) challenging both national parties in the Assembly elections. BJP has won six successive terms in Gujarat and also aims at retaining power for this elections as well in the home state of PM Narendra Modi. On the other hand, Congress is hoping to end its 27 year stint as the Opposition in the state and come into power. AAP is also seeking to establish its power in the third state after succeeding to form government in Delhi and Punjab.