MAPUSA
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recently concluded elections for mandal presidents across seven constituencies in Bardez, with all posts being filled unanimously.
However, beneath the surface of this seemingly smooth process, tensions are brewing among the party’s grassroots workers (karyakartas), particularly in constituencies where Congress defectors have risen to prominence within the BJP.
In six of the seven constituencies, the elected mandal presidents are individuals closely aligned with the respective local MLAs or ministers.
This trend has sparked discontent among longstanding BJP loyalists in constituencies like Saligao, Siolim and Calangute, where defectors from the Congress have taken over key positions, sidelining original karyakartas.
Factionalism in Siolim and Saligao
The situation in Siolim is emblematic of the growing discord.
Former BJP minister and stalwart Dayanand Mandrekar has openly distanced himself from current MLA Delilah Lobo, a former Congress leader who joined the BJP after her election. Mandrekar, a veteran BJP leader, has reportedly refrained from participating in party activities attended by Lobo and stayed away from the mandal elections in the constituency.
The newly elected mandal president, Mohit Chopdekar, is perceived as being aligned with Lobo, further alienating the old guard.
In Saligao, the divide runs just as deep. Former MLA Jayesh Salgaonkar, who contested the 2022 assembly elections on a BJP ticket, has been notably absent from party activities.
Meanwhile, several senior BJP leaders in the constituency are struggling to align with the current MLA Kedar Naik, another Congress defector.
The appointment of Guresh Madkaikar as mandal president, reportedly Naik’s choice, has not gone down well with traditional party workers. This simmering discontent could pose challenges for the BJP in upcoming elections.
Unanimity or strategic alignments?
Despite the party projecting an image of unity with unanimous elections, insiders reveal that the outcomes were heavily influenced by the preferences of the respective MLAs.
In constituencies like Mapusa and Tivim, the elected presidents “ Yogesh Khedekar and Sumedh Desai, respectively “ are seen as close allies of their local MLAs, Joshua D’Souza and Nilkant Halarnkar respectively.
Porvorim saw a smoother election process, with Vinit Parab known to be close to local MLA Rohan Khaunte being unanimously elected.
Meanwhile, in Aldona, where the BJP lacks an MLA, a loyal party worker, Ranjit Usgaonkar, was chosen as mandal president “ an exception to the trend of MLA-aligned appointments.
Senior leaders acknowledge rifts
Senior BJP leaders have attempted to downplay the discord, describing the differences as “pinpricks” that will be resolved over time. A senior leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted that the mandal presidents were indeed the choices of their respective MLAs.
“We have tried our best to bring all karyakartas together. There are differences in some constituencies, but as a disciplined party, we must toe the line. Senior leaders will address the concerns of those who feel sidelined,” the leader said.
Future implications for the BJP
The dissatisfaction among veteran karyakartas, particularly in constituencies with Congress defectors, highlights the challenges the BJP faces in balancing its traditional cadre with newcomers.
While the party has made significant inroads by welcoming defectors, the move has not come without consequences.
“We are deeply hurt, but we cannot voice our feelings openly. If the party believes it can take us for granted, they may be in for a rude awakening. Just wait and see,” remarked a loyal karyakarta.
With the saffron party gearing up for future electoral battles, the internal rifts in Bardez could prove to be a litmus test for its organisational strength and electoral strategy.
The BJP must now focus on placating its grassroots workers and fostering unity, lest the fractures widen and impact its prospects in this politically significant region.
