BJP wary of action against ‘rebel’ Gyandev Ahuja?

BJP, the party with a difference, is presently full of differences in Rajasthan. A viral audio of sitting MLA Gyandev Ahuja and subsequent complaint to the central disciplinary committee has put the differences out in the open that the party was trying to brush under the carpet. Within the BJP there is speculation whether action would be taken in this issue, as matter of Ghanshyam Tiwari lies in abeyance for over a year. On the other hand, opposition Congress too is keeping an eye on the developments and weighing its advantages. 

Thursday saw a defiant Gyandev Ahuja, BJL MLA from Ramgarh Alwar, claiming that he was being victimised for speaking out the truth. “I know a letter has been written to the central disciplinary committee recommending my suspension from party. I will accept whatever decision the party takes, but will make a big exposé soon. Today is not the day as its is amavasya (no moon night),” said the outspoken BJP legislator. He claimed that he had written to the central leadership on 25 January telling them that all three seats would be lost.  

BJP could not ignore the audio wherein Ahuja accepted that it was his voice in the viral audio saying that chief minister Vasundhara Raje and BJP state chief Ashok Parnami were responsible for bypoll defeat. Exercising caution the matter was referred to the central disciplinary committee of the party with recommendation of suspension. “Ordinarily the matter would have been referred to the chief minister but as she is mentioned in the clip so we sent it to the central disciplinary committee,” Madan Lal Saini told DNA.     

But there is unease in the BJP at the move. The generally verbose panchayat raj minister Rajendra Rathore just about managed to say, “We have a difference of opinion, but no differences.” (matbhed hain manbhed nahin)       
Within BJP speculation is rife whether action would be taken against Ahuja. This is because there has been no action against Ghanshyam Tiwari despite his offensive against Raje and his parleys at creating a parallel political organisation. “There has been no communication with me after I sent my reply to the notice that was sent to me,” said Tiwari to DNA. This is despite the fact that Tiwari had published his reply in the form of a booklet and sent it to BJP post holders and senior party functionaries across the country.

Cong watching

Congress has been watching the developments in ruling BJP with interest and has been strategically extending support to Ghanshyam Tiwari in the Assembly. Unable to resist a jibe at the discomfort of the ruling party Govind Singh Dotasra said to DNA “Till now their criticism is limited to chief minister.”