Bhopal cadre unhappy with BJP picking Pragya Thakur over MP Alok Sanjar

Bhopal: Rebellion is brewing within the BJP over the candidature of Pragya Thakur from the high-profile Bhopal constituency, following her controversial statements on Babri Masjid and ATS chief Hemant Karkare’s death.

Thakur was favoured over sitting MP Alok Sanjar.

Sources said several mid-level BJP functionaries were conspicuous in their absence at a meeting this week to plan Thakur’s campaign strategy. A senior BJP leader who did not wish to be identified told ET, “Only 30% of BJP functionaries attended. Now, we have served absentee notices for them to explain their absence, as this is a case of indiscipline.”


The likes of former Surkhi MLA Parul Sahu and election management committee member Fatima Rasool have openly expressed their reservations over Pragya Thakur’s remarks. Sahu had even taken to Twitter, urging the high command to ensure the elections remained secular. She had tagged a newspaper report on Thakur’s remarks.

Rasool, BJP’s lone Muslim candidate in the 2018 Assembly elections, who lost Bhopal North, also said she would not be able to campaign for Thakur.

Meanwhile, the BJP leadership has urged functionaries to put up a united front in this crucial election, adding that Thakur has been directed to exercise restraint. After Election Commission’s notice to Thakur, BJP’s Alok Sanjar has filed nomination papers as dummy candidate.

The Congress is exercising restraint for now. Former chief minister and Congress’ Bhopal candidate Digvijaya Singh has maintained silence on Thakur.

Sources close to Singh told ET that he would not be drawn into a slugfest on religion. “Why give BJP an election they want? Digvijayaji is certain he would not be drawn into any controversy and would keep the focus on development,” said a close aide. At a recent press meet, Singh clarified that he was raising only vital issues.

Sources said Singh has already conveyed his decision to the Congress’ social media cell. A Congress functionary told ET, “He has clarified that he will not attack Thakur. He will not say a word. The social media team has been entrusted with the job to take her on.”