Bhopal: The BJP has expelled 54 rebel leaders, including three former ministers, and an equal number of ex-MLAs for filing nominations against the official party candidates in their respective Assembly constituencies.
The former ministers who were expelled from the party were Sartaj Singh, Ramkrishna Kusumaria and K.L. Agrawal.
The party tried hard to persuade the rebel leaders to withdraw their nominations and took disciplinary action against them when they did pay no heed to party’s dictate.
“The rebel leaders should not have the impression that they have reached this stage because of their popularity. It is the workers of the party who made them leaders and ensures their victory in the elections. Out of the party, these leaders are nothing,” senior BJP leader Vinay Shahasrabuddhe told reporters here.
While Mr Singh was given the Congress ticket to contest from Hosangabad Assembly seat, Mr Kusumaria and Mr Agrawal have filed nominations as Independent candidates from their respective Assembly seats.
The Congress, too, has been facing rebellion in 12 seats. The party has expelled former MLA Xavier Meda for filing nomination against the official candidate Hiralal Alawa in Manawar Assembly seat.
