By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 2 Jan: The BJP will launch its campaign for the civic elections tomorrow, including booth-level worker conferences and meetings involving the Chief Minister, former CMs, MPs, and ministers. Expressing satisfaction with most party workers withdrawing their nominations in favour of the official candidates, the party today made it clear that the central leadership would soon decide on former MLA Rajkumar Thukral’s request to rejoin the party.
State BJP President Mahendra Bhatt, speaking at the party headquarters, expressed gratitude to the central leadership for prioritising youth in governance and organisational roles and reminded that youth leaders Saurabh Thapliyal and Gajraj Bisht had been given tickets as Mayoral candidates in Dehradun and Haldwani, respectively.
Regarding party workers filing nominations against authorised candidates, Bhatt claimed that nearly all the rebel party candidates have withdrawn their names, respecting the party’s decision. Disciplinary action, including six-year expulsions, would be taken against those who have refused to comply. He claimed that BJP functions as a family, and internal disagreements are resolved without harming party unity.
Commenting on Thukral’s case, Bhatt clarified that the former MLA currently has no party affiliation. Thukral and his brother had filed nominations but have since approached him and the Chief Minister, expressing a desire to rejoin the party. The central leadership will take a final decision on this matter.
On MLA Arvind Pandey’s remarks about worker representation, Bhatt stated that Pandey is a popular party leader, and that he has been told that any concerns should be addressed on appropriate forums.
Responding to Congress’s allegations regarding rejection of their nominations, Bhatt retorted that cancellations were based on just technical grounds as per the constitutional provisions. He criticised Congress for fielding ineligible candidates and claimed their leadership frequently supports corrupt and incompetent individuals, as alleged by their own members.
Interacting with the media persons, State Media In charge Manveer Chauhan announced that, starting tomorrow, BJP would hold worker conferences at urban booths, along with public meetings and roadshows by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami in major municipal areas. Cabinet ministers as well as former CMs will join the campaign, while MPs and MLAs will focus on rallying support in their constituencies. Chauhan reiterated that every BJP leader, regardless of position, contributes as a dedicated party worker in civic elections.
