Internal Rifts Threaten BJP’s Mission Hat-Trick in Uttarakhand
The Dhami government is also under pressure from several organisations with their demand for the implementation of the fifth schedule of the Constitution, granting special status for the protection of the indigenous tribals of the state.
New Delhi: The BJP is battling against factionalism and anti-incumbency in Uttarakhand, where Assembly polls are scheduled early next year. Sources said the BJP's top brass is concerned about the twin issues, which it feels could upset the ruling party’s target of "Mission Hat-trick" if not addressed.
The BJP top brass, according to sources, has been receiving complaints regarding growing factionalism in its Uttarakhand unit, while the main Opposition party, the Congress, is busy trying to revive itself in the hill state. Amidst the growing concerns over internal rifts and reports of anti-incumbency, BJP president Nitin Nabin toured the hill state for three days.
During his visit to Uttarakhand from May 28, Nabin held several meetings with senior state BJP leaders and also Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami over organisational issues and the impending polls. The BJP president, it is learnt, also asked the party's state leadership not to give the Opposition any opportunity to regroup as a formidable challenge.
While the BJP's top brass is trying to resolve factionalism, the party, according to sources, will likely field many new faces and change the constituency of several of its leaders to beat anti-incumbency. Sources said many sitting BJP MLAs are facing anti-incumbency, despite the top brass', including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s, repeated advice on governance and remaining connected with the constituency and people.
Another issue that the BJP is worried about, sources said, is the deteriorating law and order situation in Uttarakhand. The BJP top brass, sources disclosed, have also been receiving complaints from its state cadre and supporters regarding the failure of the government to keep a check on the growing crime rate in the hill state.
The Dhami government is also under pressure from several organisations with their demand for the implementation of the fifth schedule of the Constitution, granting special status for the protection of the indigenous tribals of the state. These organisations have also claimed that the BJP government has “failed” to properly implement the revised land law, which was aimed at curbing the sale of land to non-state people.
