Maharashtra civic polls: Firm on contesting in Latur, 28 BJP rebels declare themselves 'loyalists'

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Internal churn within the Latur city unit of BJP over ticket distribution continued to dominate the Latur Municipal Corporation elections narrative on Saturday, with 28 rebel candidates remaining firm under a newly formed panel they named 'Nishthavantanchi BJP (loyalists of BJP)'.Even as the rebels projected themselves as ideological loyalists sidelined by the party leadership, BJP MLA Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar said the dissent would eventually subside, and the remaining rebels would fall in line.Addressing the issue of rebellion, Nilangekar said a large number of BJP aspirants who initially entered the fray as independents have already withdrawn. "More than 120 BJP aspirants who filed nominations as independents withdrew their candidature within the stipulated deadline. Those who are still in the race will also ultimately come back to us," he said, adding that the party would close ranks before polling.Resentment among a section of long-time BJP workers remained strong. The rebels, now contesting under the 'Nishthavantanchi BJP' banner, alleged that loyal cadres who served the party for 30 to 40 years, from the days of the Jan Sangh and through the RSS network, have been denied tickets in favour of recent entrants from other parties. Questioning the leadership's decision to field such candidates even in wards traditionally considered BJP strongholds, they said it amounts to a loss of trust in grassroots workers.Following a meeting held on Friday, the rebels unanimously decided to stay in the contest and fight collectively. Senior BJP worker Nitin Shete said the rebel group is also exploring tactical understandings in select wards. "Talks are underway with candidates from NCP, Shiv Sena and some social organisations to ensure coordination wherever possible," he said.While attempting to downplay the rebellion, Nilangekar attacked Congress, accusing it of vitiating the political atmosphere. "Mud-slinging is the only agenda left with Congress. The party is trying to poison society and deliberately spoil the environment instead of engaging in a discussion on development," he alleged. Nilangekar said BJP is ready for an open debate on development issues and governance, and contrasted it with what he termed Congress's negative campaign.Elections are being held for 70 seats across 18 wards of the Latur Municipal Corporation. A total of 627 nomination forms were filed, of which 268 candidates withdrew before the deadline, leaving 359 candidates in the fray. Congress and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi are contesting jointly, while BJP, NCP, NCP (SP), Shiv Sena (UBT) and Shiv Sena are contesting independently. The presence of Nishthavantanchi BJP-backed rebels in 28 seats adds a critical new dimension to the multi-cornered contest.