In a bold pre-election maneuver, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled 26 of its Mumbai unit workers for six years, signaling a major internal cleanup just before the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. This decisive action underscores the party’s determination to strengthen its organizational structure and present a united front to voters in India’s financial capital.
The expulsions, announced on Wednesday, target workers accused of anti-party activities, indiscipline, and undermining the leadership’s directives. Party insiders reveal that these individuals had been under scrutiny for months, engaging in factionalism that threatened to fracture the BJP’s dominance in key Mumbai wards. ‘This is a necessary step to ensure loyalty and discipline within our ranks,’ stated a senior BJP leader, emphasizing the timing’s significance with BMC polls looming.
Mumbai’s BMC, one of the richest municipal bodies globally, has long been a BJP stronghold since wresting control from Shiv Sena in 2022. However, recent surveys indicate slipping voter confidence amid civic issues like pothole-ridden roads, water shortages, and garbage management failures. The expulsions aim to quell internal dissent and refocus the party’s campaign on development promises.
Opposition parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, have seized on the move, labeling it a sign of BJP’s desperation. ‘Expelling your own workers shows panic, not strength,’ quipped a Shiv Sena spokesperson. Meanwhile, BJP loyalists argue this purge will eliminate weak links, paving the way for a more aggressive electoral strategy.
As the election date nears, all eyes are on how this reshuffle impacts ground-level mobilization. With over 227 wards at stake, the BJP’s ability to consolidate its base could determine whether it retains its grip on Mumbai’s civic governance. Analysts predict heightened competition, with alliances shifting and voter turnout playing a pivotal role.