Dhanbad: The BJP has initiated disciplinary action against several mayoral aspirants associated with the party who are contesting against officially supported candidates in the ongoing municipal elections here.The state unit’s disciplinary committee served show cause notices to 18 such candidates, asking them to explain their conduct within seven days.In a letter issued by state party general secretary Pradeep Verma, the candidates were warned of strict action for defying the party’s directive. The notice stated that those contesting against BJP-backed nominees were acting against the party’s official stance and could face disciplinary measures if they failed to provide a satisfactory explanation within the stipulated time.State BJP president Aditya Sahu said that any individual associated with the BJP who contests against party-supported candidates would be treated as indisciplined.“The disciplinary committee identified such individuals and issued notices. If their replies are not satisfactory within seven days, strict action will follow,” he said.However, some of the rebel candidates defended their decision. Mayoral aspirant Bhrigunath Bhagat argued that municipal elections are not fought on party symbols or banners and therefore cannot be considered a violation of party discipline.Another candidate, Mukesh Pandey, said that he has a long history with nationalist organisations. A former activist of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), said he joined the BJP after nearly two decades of student activism and decided to contest only after consulting senior local leaders and public representatives.
