KANGRA: In a development that threatens to deepen internal rifts within the Himachal Pradesh BJP, former minister Ramesh Dhawala has openly rebelled against the party leadership.
His dissent comes at a time when the BJP is in the midst of organisational elections to appoint its new state president, compounding the party’s troubles.
At a gathering in Dehra, Dhawala met 40-50 of his supporters, most of whom are former office-bearers who feel sidelined under the current leadership.
The meeting, which he termed a “trailer”, concluded with plans to hold a larger convention in Jawalaji soon. This proposed meeting aims to unite disgruntled BJP leaders from across the state, with discussions expected to revolve around the formation of a potential third front.
Dhawala claims veteran party leaders being ‘ignored’
Dhawala did not hold back in his criticism, accusing the BJP’s top leadership of alienating veteran party workers who, in his words, “nurtured the party with their sweat and blood”.
He claimed that individuals who once openly criticised the BJP are now enjoying preferential treatment, while loyal, long-serving members have been pushed to the margins.
“The real BJP comprises old workers and leaders. Those who joined recently are nothing but opportunists,” Dhawala declared, adding, “The party I helped build brick by brick is now being dismantled piece by piece.”
In a pointed attack on the party’s internal election process, Dhawala alleged that the recent appointments of mandal (block) presidents in Haripur and Dhaliaira were marred by fraud.
He claimed that these elections violated the party’s constitution, with key figures, including former MLAs, deliberately excluded. “A group of 40-50 people gathered to announce names sent from above. This is not democracy; this is manipulation,” he asserted.
Support from BJP veterans
What makes Dhawala’s rebellion particularly significant is the tacit support he has received from BJP stalwarts like former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar.
Shanta Kumar’s statement, emphasising the need to respect both new entrants and veteran leaders within the party, has fuelled speculation about growing dissatisfaction among the old guard.
Dhawala also hinted at forging alliances with other disillusioned leaders, including former ministers Virender Kanwar and Dr Ram Lal Markanda, former MP Kripal Parmar and former MLAs Tejwant Negi and Baldev Thakur.
Sources suggest that Dhawala has already been in contact with some of them, who have expressed solidarity with his cause and may soon come out publicly in support.
Rajya Sabha poll cross-voting aftershock
The simmering discontent has roots in last year’s Rajya Sabha elections when cross-voting by six Congress MLAs and three independents led to a political shake-up.
This resulted in nine former MLAs joining the BJP, triggering resentment among the party’s old cadre. Many veteran leaders were overlooked during ticket distribution in favour of these newcomers, further intensifying internal friction.
The recently concluded block and district-level organisational polls have only added fuel to the fire. Supporters of new entrants dominated the elections, sidelining veteran leaders and leaving many feeling politically orphaned.
Dhawala turns poetic to air his grievances
While it remains to be seen whether Dhawala’s rebellion will snowball into a full-fledged third front, his open defiance has undoubtedly rattled the BJP. The party now faces the dual challenge of managing its internal discord while gearing up for upcoming electoral battles.
Dhawala’s parting words at the Dehra meeting were laced with defiance: “Duniya mandi jora nu, lakh laanat hai kamjora nu” (world praises the strong, and a million curses on the weak), signalling his determination to continue pressuring the BJP leadership.
