BJP Takes Disciplinary Action Against Candidate Over Sabotage Allegations
In a significant development within Rajasthan's political landscape, the Bharatiya Janata Party has initiated disciplinary proceedings against its own candidate from the Anta Assembly by-election. The party has issued a formal show cause notice to Morpal Suman, who contested the 2025 Anta by-poll, following his explosive allegations of internal sabotage by senior party leaders.
Notice Demands Explanation Within Three Days
The notice, served by BJP state president Madan Rathore, explicitly states that "Information has been received against you that you have made baseless, unsubstantiated allegations against several responsible officials and senior members of the Bharatiya Janata Party regarding the 2025 Anta by-election, and made them public."
Rathore emphasized that while the BJP's constitution allows members to express views through proper channels, Suman violated established procedures by making his accusations public. "Your actions fall under the definition of indiscipline as defined in the party's constitution," the notice declared, giving Suman just three days to submit a written explanation.
Serious Allegations Against Senior Leaders
In his controversial letter that circulated widely, Suman made several serious claims:
- He alleged a conspiracy by Lok Sabha Speaker and Kota MP Om Birla and his entire team, who he claimed "directly and indirectly" campaigned against him
- Accused them of distributing large sums of money to influential leaders in Baran district
- Claimed they influenced voters in favor of Congress candidate Pramod Jain Bhaya
- Named several other BJP leaders including Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar and former district president Anand Garg as working against him
The letter, marked to top leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former party president J.P. Nadda, suggested that "internal sabotage" combined with delay in announcing his candidature led to his electoral defeat.
Political Context and Electoral Outcome
The Anta Assembly constituency in Baran district shares its border with Kota, which Om Birla represents in the Lok Sabha. This geographical proximity adds significance to the allegations made by Suman.
In the November by-poll, Congress candidate Pramod Jain Bhaya secured victory with 69,571 votes, defeating Suman by a margin of 15,612 votes. Suman received 53,959 votes, while Congress rebel Naresh Meena stood a close third with 53,800 votes - just 159 votes less than the BJP candidate.
Suman had further claimed in his letter that three MLAs from the district - Pratap Singh Singhvi (Chhabra), Lalit Meena (Kishanganj), and Radheshyam Bairwa (Baran Atru) - collectively attempted to defeat him because they feared he might become a minister if he won against the Congress candidate.
Party Discipline and Image Concerns
The BJP's swift action reflects its concern about maintaining party discipline and protecting its public image. Rathore's notice specifically mentions that Suman's actions have "tarnished the BJP's image" by making unsubstantiated allegations public rather than following proper internal channels.
When contacted by media about both his letter and the subsequent notice, Suman refused to comment, leaving his response to the show cause notice awaited.
This development highlights the internal challenges political parties face in managing dissent and maintaining unity, especially following electoral setbacks. The BJP's decision to issue a show cause notice within days of the letter going viral demonstrates its zero-tolerance approach to what it perceives as public indiscipline that could damage party cohesion and public perception.
