Reception triggers row in Delhi BJP
The infighting in the Delhi unit of Bharatiya Janata Party intensified on the weekend with state party president Manoj Tiwari threatening action against a group of newly elected municipal councillors who attended the “felicitation function” organised by Union sports minister Vijay Goel, former state unit chief, on May 16.
Sources said an explanation will be sought from councillors who attended the programme despite instructions from Tiwari not to go. “They may not be nominated to positions in the new MCDs. This is one reason why there has been a delay in announcement of names for Leader of House in the three civic bodies,” a party leader said, adding that the felicitation was held without consulting Tiwari.
“For me, the organisation is supreme. No leader should run a parallel party. This practice should be discouraged and we should work to strengthen the party,” Tiwari told HT.
Vijay Goel reacted saying that seeking explanation from councillors was not a sensible thing to do. “It was a programme organised at my residence under the banner of Nehru Yuva Kendra, which is part of my ministry. The idea was to work for the welfare of slum dwellers. The councillors were invited so that they could also contribute to efforts being made by the ministry. I don’t find hosting reception a bad idea, especially when senior party leaders were also present there,” Goel said.
At least 50 councillors were present at the event but the party has identified 26 councillors.
Sources said Tiwari has withheld nominations for important positions in the three corporations. On May 12, Tiwari in a tweet named Shikha Rai as a nominee to the position of Leader of the House in SDMC.