BJP Expels 40 Rebels Ahead Of Maharashtra Assembly Elections

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled 40 of its leaders and workers across 37 Assembly constituencies before Maharashtra assembly elections for indiscipline, just two weeks before the state goes to the polls on November 20.

This disciplinary action follows the party’s warning to rebels that any form of insubordination would not be tolerated as the BJP positions itself as a dominant force within the Mahayuti (Grand Alliance). The BJP has fielded candidates in 148 constituencies and is working to project itself as the “big brother” of the alliance.

State BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule had previously issued a stern warning to party leaders and workers, stressing that those who violated party rules would face expulsion. In response, most of the expelled members were removed from the party late on Tuesday night.

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According to a statement issued by State BJP Office Secretary Mukund Kulkarni, the expulsion orders were sent to party members who had flouted party discipline, despite holding positions within the organization. The official expulsion order read, “Despite being party office bearers, you have flouted party discipline. Your actions go against the party’s rules, and therefore, you are expelled with immediate effect.”

The move comes after increasing pressure from within the party ranks to take firm action against the rebels, particularly as the election process enters its final stages. A senior BJP leader explained that failure to address the rebels would have sent a negative signal not only within the BJP but also within the broader Mahayuti alliance. The presence of these rebels, especially in constituencies where BJP candidates are contesting, could have undermined the prospects of other party nominees as well as Shiv Sena and NCP candidates.

BJP Expels Prominent Leader Among Others Ahead Of Maharashtra Assembly Elections

The list of expelled BJP functionaries includes several prominent leaders, such as Shrikant Karle, Sopan Patil (Dhule Rural), Mayur Kanse, and Ashwani Sonawane (Jalgaon City), among others. The full list also includes several leaders from other districts, including Nanded, Amravati, and Solapur, where rebels had violated the party’s discipline.

With the BJP taking a firm stand, the focus now shifts to the party’s allies—Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)—to see if they will follow suit and take similar action against their respective rebels ahead of the elections.

In a related development, the BJP also expelled 30 leaders in Jharkhand on Tuesday, underscoring its commitment to maintaining party discipline ahead of crucial state elections.

As the Maharashtra election approaches, the expulsion of these rebels marks a significant step in the BJP’s effort to present a united front in the race for power.