In a major move ahead of Maharashtra’s assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled 40 leaders and office bearers from across 37 constituencies for defying party guidelines. These leaders, who include prominent names from districts like Jalna, Dhule, and Amravati, reportedly opposed the BJP’s decisions regarding candidate selections and were seen as working against the party’s strategy.
A statement released by Maharashtra BJP office secretary Mukul Kulkarni explained the decision, citing a “breach of party discipline.” The expelled leaders are accused of violating the party’s line, which is seen as a serious infraction in the context of the high-stakes upcoming elections. “Despite holding office bearer posts, these leaders acted against party discipline and have been expelled from the party immediately,” the statement read.
Among the expelled members are Ashok Pangarkar from Jalna, Vishal Prabhakar Parab from Sawantwadi, Mayur Kapse from Jalgaon City, and Shrikant Karle from Dhule Rural. Karle, notably, filed his candidacy as an independent after not being chosen as the BJP’s official candidate. This expulsion move follows statements from Maharashtra BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who had expressed hopes of convincing party rebels to withdraw their independent nominations by November 4.
At the same time, the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, launched its manifesto with a promise of “unprecedented prosperity and development” for Maharashtra. During a public meeting in Kolhapur North, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar presented a vision focused on transformative growth for the state.
With the Maharashtra Assembly elections slated for November 20 and vote counting set for November 23, the political climate is tense. The BJP, which previously secured 105 seats in 2019, is aiming to increase its tally as it competes in 288 constituencies across the state. The Mahayuti’s manifesto and the BJP’s disciplinary action reflect the high stakes as the party works to consolidate support and maintain unity within its ranks.