Factions in local BJP unit gun for party’s city chief

The Asian Age.

Metros, Mumbai

Few young people also ransacked BJP’s office in Ahmednagar on Friday.

The Shiv Jayanti comments by Ahmednagar mayor have irked youth across the state.

Mumbai: The state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is embarrassed by Ahmednagar deputy mayor Shripad Chhindam’s derogatory statement regarding Shiv Jayanti. Mr Chhindam who was arrested by the police and expelled from the party, has now been remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.

The incident has lead to factions in local unit of the BJP, all of which are out to counter each other. BJP leader, Abhay Agarkar demanded the resignation of city president Dilip Gandhi, who is also a MP from Ahmednagar. Mr alleged that Mr Gandhi made Mr Chhindam deputy mayor despite the cadre’s strong opposition.

On Saturday morning, Mr Agarkar said, “Mr Gandhi supported Mr Chhindam.  So, either he should resign from the party’s post or he should be sacked by the party,” he demanded.

Mr Chhindam’s comments on Shiv Jayanti and Shivaji has irked the youth across state.  Various organisations like Sambhaji Brigade, Bhim Army and Samata Parishad have slammed the BJP for these remarks. Few young people also ransacked BJP’s office in Ahmednagar on Friday.

BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP and descendant of Shivaji, Sambhajiraje Bhosale of Kolhapur also came out against Mr Chhindam.

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