In a significant political shift, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formally ended its electoral pact with the Yuva Swabhiman Party (YSP), led by MLA Ravi Rana, for the upcoming Amravati Municipal Corporation (AMC) elections. The party has now declared its support for independent candidates in several wards, effectively dissolving the alliance.
Public Split at Campaign Rally
The rupture became starkly visible during a campaign meeting held in the Chaprasipura area on Saturday. Guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule took to the stage and, in a clear snub to the YSP, invited two independent candidates to join him. He appealed to voters to support these independents, who are contesting on the symbols of an apple and a matchbox.
This dramatic announcement was made in the presence of former MP Navneet Rana, who was seated on the dais. The BJP had initially allotted five seats to the YSP as part of their pre-poll understanding. However, tensions had been simmering for days, with reports suggesting that Ravi Rana's party had fielded candidates against BJP nominees in several prabhags (ward groups).
BJP Cites Betrayal, Prioritizes Victory
Political observers noted strong resentment within the BJP's local cadre over the actions of the YSP leadership. The discord was exacerbated by Navneet Rana's perceived lack of wholehearted campaigning for BJP candidates, with sightings of her favouring YSP nominees instead.
Dr. Nitin Dhande, the Amravati city president of the BJP, confirmed the end of the coalition. He stated that while the BJP was interested in the alliance, the party's paramount goal is to win the elections. "It is a local election where YSP may have its own compulsions," Dr. Dhande told TOI. "So, we decided to split and extended support to independent candidates."
Officially, the BJP has now pledged its backing to independent candidates in five specific wards: two in the SRPF Wadali area, and one each in Gadgeshwar, Badnera Juni Wasti, and Rajapeth.
Fallout and Future Implications
When questioned about Navneet Rana's role following the split, Dr. Dhande maintained that she remains a national leader of the BJP. "She is seeking votes for BJP. She attended all BJP rallies with guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule today," he said.
This move significantly alters the political equations in Amravati and poses a major challenge for Ravi Rana and his Yuva Swabhiman Party, which has now lost the backing of the powerful BJP machinery in the allotted wards. Attempts to contact both Ravi Rana and Navneet Rana for their comments on the development were unsuccessful.
The BJP's decisive action underscores its strategy to consolidate its position and avoid any internal sabotage, prioritizing a clear path to victory in the crucial civic polls.
