UP polls: Resentment brewing in BJP over ticket distribution

Lucknow: In the first phase of elections, the BJP strategists are finding it more difficult to deal with the dissenters of their camp than the challenges from the opposition parties.

BJP has fielded new faces in Etmadpur, Fatehpur Sikri, Kheragarh, Rural and Fatehabad assembly constituencies.

Due to the denial of tickets to five sitting MLAs in Agra district, there is a possibility of internal rebellion in BJP.

Jitendra Satwai was the sitting MLA from Siwalkhas seat of Meerut, but this time the supporters of Satwai have become agitated due to Maninder Pal Singh getting the ticket.

There has been a sit-in demonstration at the western regional office of BJP in Meerut.

When former BJP state pres Dr. Laxmikant Bajpai refused to contest, his supporter Kamal Dutt Sharma was given a ticket from the Meerut city seat, which angered the supporters of MoS Sunil Bharala.

Former BJP MLA Gopal Kali has blown the bugle of rebellion after Dinesh Khatik was nominated as the candidate from Meerut’s Hastinapur seat.

Sangeeta Chauhan, wife of former min late Chetan Chauhan was a contender for the ticket from Amroha.

But she could not get the ticket. Usha Chauhan, wife of former min Virendra Sirohi from Sadar seat of Bulandshahr; Vimla Solanki, sitting MLA from Secunderabad seat and Dr Anita Lodhi from Dibai were also denied tickets.

So there is a lot of resentment among their supporters. In Bareilly, there is displeasure in a faction of BJP over the denial of ticket to Manish Aggarwal, son of former min Rajesh Agarwal, who has expressed his displeasure.

Dr. Raghavendra Sharma has been made the candidate in place of Rajesh Mishra alias Pappu Bharataul from Bithrichanpur seat of Bareilly. leading to dissatisfaction among the local workers.

Upset over the ticket given to BJP MLA from Baghpat Yogesh Dhama, BJP workers protested outside the house of UP incharge Dharmendra Pradhan in Delhi.

It is evident that there is resentment among the workers in many seats regarding ticket distribution in western UP, although the BJP spokesperson Sanjay Chaudhary said, “Our party is organization based, not individual centric.

All decisions are taken in the interest of the party. Some people may be upset.

The party and the ideological organization are in constant touch with those who have not been able to get tickets. Together we will ensure victory.”