Munish Sood
Mandi
The Bharatiya Janata Party’s internal fault lines in Himachal Pradesh have surfaced prominently in Kangra district, with a sharp political confrontation erupting between former minister Rakesh Pathania and Kangra MP Rajeev Bhardwaj ahead of the Zila Parishad elections.
The political standoff comes in the backdrop of the BJP’s setback in the Nurpur Municipal Council elections and has triggered intense speculation over deepening factionalism within the party in one of the state’s most politically significant regions.
The latest controversy began after candidates reportedly backed by Pathania entered the Zila Parishad poll arena against BJP-supported nominees, prompting an aggressive response from the party’s parliamentary leadership. The development has sharply escalated the political temperature in the Nurpur and Fatehpur belts, where both leaders command considerable influence.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Pathania sought to project himself as a loyal and disciplined BJP leader, while simultaneously mounting a veiled attack on the functioning of the local leadership, including the MLA and the sitting MP.
“I am a dedicated worker and soldier of the BJP. Ticket distribution and political ups and downs are part of public life, but my relationship with the party and organisation cannot end,” Pathania said, underlining that the BJP had given him identity, recognition and an opportunity to serve the people.
However, the former minister also signalled his displeasure over the current political functioning in the region, alleging that developmental projects initiated during his tenure were being reduced to subjects of political confrontation rather than being carried forward in public interest.
In a calibrated political message aimed at consolidating support within his traditional base, Pathania claimed that development projects worth nearly ₹5.75 crore had been initiated in the Nurpur region during the past two years. He also pitched for the revival of the long-defunct Kangra Valley railway service, describing it as critical for regional connectivity, tourism and economic activity.
Without directly naming Pathania initially, MP Rajeev Bhardwaj launched a scathing attack on what he termed “anti-party activities” and “internal sabotage,” making it clear that the BJP leadership was viewing the developments seriously.
“The BJP is an organisation-driven party built on discipline and ideology. Any attempt to weaken the organisation due to personal ambitions will not be tolerated,” Bhardwaj said.
The MP asserted that fielding candidates against officially supported BJP nominees in the Zila Parishad elections amounted to indiscipline and political betrayal. He warned that leaders indulging in activities detrimental to the party’s interests would be exposed before the public and could face disciplinary action.
“In a party that has given leaders recognition, respect and a political platform, working against official candidates is nothing short of betrayal,” Bhardwaj remarked, adding that the BJP had been built through the commitment and hard work of dedicated party workers.
He further indicated that the matter could reach the party’s disciplinary committee, signalling that the leadership may take a tough stand against dissent perceived as damaging to the organisation ahead of crucial grassroots elections.
Pathania, however, swiftly hit back, rejecting any suggestion that he was working against the party. In a strong counter-response, the former minister said no individual had the authority to question his commitment towards the BJP and accused certain leaders of attempting to tarnish his political image.
“I have always worked to strengthen the party and organisation. If someone is trying to portray me as anti-party, it is completely incorrect. The public knows who has genuinely worked for the development of Nurpur and Fatehpur and who is engaged only in political rhetoric,” he said.
Pathania also hinted at a larger political undercurrent within the district BJP unit, asserting that the electorate was closely observing recent developments and would deliver its verdict at the appropriate time.
The increasingly public exchange between the two senior BJP leaders has exposed visible cracks within the party’s Kangra unit at a politically sensitive juncture. With local body and panchayati raj elections expected to shape the organisational mood ahead of future Assembly and parliamentary battles, the unfolding Nurpur power struggle is being viewed as an important test for the BJP’s central and state leadership in managing regional aspirations and internal dissent.
Political observers believe the Pathania–Bhardwaj confrontation reflects not merely a local electoral disagreement, but a broader contest for political relevance and organisational control in the politically influential Kangra district, often regarded as the gateway to power in Himachal Pradesh.
