BJP suspends ex-MLA Reddy for six years

 

 

 

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suspended D Mallikarjun Reddy, ex-MLA party office-bearer, for six years on charges of flouting the party norms and discipline. In the letter signed by Sudhakar Kohale, President of Nagpur District BJP and Dr Upendra Kothekar, Vidarbha Organising Secretary addressed to Reddy says, ‘You are responsible office-bearer of the party and you are involved in an act that violates party discipline. We are suspending you from the party for six years.’ According to sources, Reddy was working against the present MLA Adv Ashish Jaiswal of Shiv Sena (Shinde). In fact, he has been registering his claim for Ramtek seat from BJP quota.

 

Though Mahayuti has not declared its seat sharing yet, according to political pundits, Adv Jaiswal’s name has been finalised for Ramtek seat. Adv Jaiswal has won four times from this constituency, except in 2014 when Reddy had registered victory on BJP ticket. In 2009, Reddy had contested as Gondwana Gantantra Party candidate but had to taste defeat. In 2019, BJP had fielded him again when it had allied with united Shiv Sena. Adv Ashish Jaiswal contested as an Independent and won. Two days ago, Jaiswal joined Shiv Sena (Shinde) group giving an indication that he would be the official candidate of Mahayuti. After these developments, Reddy raised his voice at party forum and threatened that he would work against Jaiswal if fielded by Mahayuti. He even approached media and registered his protest. His act led to party taking action against him. Meanwhile taking serious cognisance of protest by Reddy, State BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule warned that rebellion would not be tolerated and rebels have to face the music. Bawankule said, “Party is important and not the candidate. Mahayuti high command will take decisions and everybody has to abide by those.