Unrest in BJP over ‘outsider’ Davkhare’s entry into party

Mumbai: Even as chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday welcomed former Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLC Niranjan Davkhare in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), many within the BJP were unhappy with the move.

On the day of induction, the BJP announced that Mr Davkhare would be its candidate for the Konkan graduate constituency of the legislative council. As a result, BJP leaders who were hoping to get the ticket were disappointed and felt that the party is giving preference to “outsiders” over the loyal BJP karyakartas.

Adding salt to their injury, the CM announced that more people are in line to join the BJP in near future and their names would be revealed soon. The BJP has adopted the policy of inducting strong leaders of Congress and NCP to increase its strength.

“Though there are many people in BJP who have been working for the growth of the party for many years and hoping to get party ticket at some time. But it seems that the leadership has more faith in outsiders and are not willing to give opportunity their own cadre,” said a local BJP leader, who did not want to be named.

Niranjan Davkhare's father, late Vasant Davkhare, was a veteran NCP leader from Thane-Palghar region and had served as deputy chairman of the Council for nearly 18 years.

“Vasant Davkhareji was a well-known leader and active in politics for many years. Niranjan was in contact with us for several days. He wanted to join a national party and enter the mainstream politics. We too thought he should work with us and hence, he decided to join the BJP,” Mr Fadnavis said.