BJP Vs BJP

The party faces dissent in at least six seats. Reasons range from nomination of outsiders to non-performance

- Jumana Shah

The adage that 'dissent is the highest form of patriotism' appears to be hitting home for the BJP in Gujarat. Having held unchallenged political dominance in the state for nearly three decades, the party is now faced with rebellion in at least six of the 26 Lok Sabha constituencies. One of the main reasons for the dissent is the influx of several Congress leaders and their followers into the BJP, allegedly at the expense of party old-timers.

A fortnight ago, dissidence erupted in the Sabarkantha and Vadodara constituencies. Bhikaji Thakor, a former VHP leader of 25 years, was initially chosen as the Sabarkantha candidate, but he withdrew within a week, citing personal reasons. One reason doing the rounds was the Opposition's charge that he had changed his surname to Thakor (OBC) for political gains-it had been Damor (tribal) till 2018.