Even after the severe drubbing in the recently concluded civic body polls, all is not well in Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) as the party has initiated disqualification proceedings against its lone corporator in Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). BSP has filed a petition with Divisional Commissioner Vijaylaxmi Bidari seeking unseating of Harshala Jaiswal. She was elected from Prabhag 7 by defying party whip. Jaiswal was issued the whip for the election to Chairperson of Ashi Nagar Zone, wherein Congress candidate Asif Sheikh triumphed over AIMIM-IUML nominee Alisha Khan, wife of Fahim Khan, who is accused of masterminding the riots in Mahal area of city last year. Jaiswal, casting vote, played central role in ensuring victory for Congress nominee.

 

The party-wise strength in Ashi Nagar Zone was that, Congress and AIMIM-IUML had equal number of corporators, 7 each, and BSP’s corporator and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lone corporator in Zone Kiran Manpiya held the key to the winner. BSP, realising the importance of the election, issued a whip claiming Jaiswal was directed to remain neutral. However, by casting vote in favour of Congress nominee, the BSP corporator violated the whip. Hence, BSP has sought action against its lone corporator. BJP played safe as its corporator chose to stay neutral. Post-election, Jaiswal was issued a showcause notice by BSP as the party had ordered an inquiry into the matter. The inquiry committee comprised of Mohan Raikwar, Dadarao Wuike and ex-officer Sanjay Thool.

 

The BSP, in its petition filed before the Divisional Commissioner, detailed the communication to Jaiswal. On directions of Sunil Dongre, President, State Unit, Jaiswal was issued whip by Yogesh Lanjewar, President, Nagpur District unit, to remain neutral during the April 15 meeting to elected new Chairperson for Ashi Nagar Zone. The party also mentioned the written apology tendered by Jaiswal wherein latter admitted to mistake and sought pardon from party leaders. The party, however, rejected the apology and proceeded ahead with disqualification process. The Commissioner has sought information from NMC administration as to details of the April 15 meeting. The disqualification process has to be completed within 90-days period. In case, Jaiswal is disqualified, she would not be able to contest any election for 6 years.