BJP moves to quell dissent in state unit

CHANDIGARH: With the BJP expelling former minister Anil Joshi over his perceived tirade against the party on the issue of farm agitation, the saffron party is now moving fast to placate leaders who have publicly extended support to Joshi.

Prominent leaders who have opposed Joshi’s expulsion include former chief parliamentary secretary and former Jalandhar North MLA, KD Bhandari; former minister Master Mohan

Lal; former deputy mayor from Ludhiana RD Sharma and former state youth wing chief, Mohit Gupta.

The state unit’s core committee has deputed senior functionaries to talk to these leaders, it is learnt. Disciplinary action against them would be initiated only if they continue to give statements on the lines of Joshi.

Sources said Avinash Rai Khanna, who is in-charge of BJP for HP, and Union minister Som Parkash have been asked to speak to Bhandari on the issue of supporting Joshi. Punjab BJP chief Ashwani Sharma, himself, has successfully placated former minister Master Mohan Lal. The two leaders met over a cup of tea on Sunday. Lal had criticised the Centre for not giving enough representation to Punjab in the recent Cabinet reshuffle. After his meeting with Sharma, Lal said, “The party is like my mother and I won’t leave it.”

“Those having expressed their feelings over Joshi’s expulsion have done no wrong. They are well aware that Anil became a minister only because of the BJP. The party expelled him with a heavy heart,” Sharma said.

Ex-minister had already decided to quit: Sharma

The state BJP chief, who is being targeted by Joshi for giving wrong feedback to the party high command on farmers’ protests, said Joshi was lying on the issue.

“Even Joshi is aware that how closely the Central and the state unit functions. Can anyone believe that the central leadership was not aware what was happening in Punjab? Joshi had already made up his mind to leave the BJP,” Sharma said.