In a significant move aimed at promoting internal democracy and curbing nepotism, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra has declared that relatives of its sitting Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) will not be given any official positions within municipal corporations. This decision comes in the wake of the civic body elections held across 29 cities on January 15.
A Directive to Curb Dynastic Politics in Local Bodies
State BJP President Ravindra Chavan, addressing the media in Nashik on Sunday, revealed that the party had recently passed a resolution to deny election tickets to the kin of its incumbent legislators and parliamentarians. The resolution was adopted just a couple of days before the nomination process for the civic polls commenced, and Chavan asserted that it had been implemented wherever logistically possible.
"We have decided that the relatives of our MLAs and MPs would not be given any official post in the municipal corporations, even if they got elected," Chavan stated firmly. This move is seen as an attempt to project a clean image and provide opportunities to grassroots workers outside powerful political families.
Addressing Exceptions and Allegations
When questioned by reporters about specific instances—such as Vishal Bhole, son of Jalgaon MLA Suresh Bhole, being elected unopposed from a ward in Jalgaon Municipal Corporation—Chavan provided clarifications. He also addressed cases where relatives like Ajinkya Pharande (son of MLA Devyani Pharande) and Rashmi Hiray (daughter of MLA Seema Hiray) had withdrawn their nominations.
Chavan refuted claims of inconsistent application of rules, calling the decision "uniform and time-bound." However, he admitted to practical hurdles, saying, "the directive did not reach some civic bodies in time, resulting in a few relatives of legislators entering the fray." He was quick to add that even in such exceptional cases, the party would steadfastly refuse to assign any official post to these individuals within their respective municipal corporations.
Furthermore, Chavan tackled allegations of "cash-for-tickets" raised by some disgruntled BJP workers in Nashik. Dismissing these as baseless accusations that typically surface when aspirants are denied tickets, he assured that he and other office-bearers would engage with loyal party workers to address their grievances.
Internal Chaos and Assurances of Action
The state BJP chief also expressed strong displeasure over a major administrative lapse concerning the Nashik Municipal Corporation polls. A chaotic situation erupted after two sets of nomination forms (A and B) were allegedly issued for five seats. This led to candidates outside the party's official list having their nominations validated because they submitted papers earlier.
Chavan termed this incident "highly objectionable" and unprecedented in the party's organizational history. He confirmed that the state unit has taken serious note of the failure and will convene meetings with district and city functionaries. The party's objective is to identify the lapses in the process and take strict action against those found responsible for the confusion.
This series of announcements and actions underscores the BJP's attempt to streamline its internal processes and present a disciplined front following the crucial civic elections, which are a key battleground for political influence in Maharashtra.
