Bharuch BJP MP Mansukh Vasava warned on Wednesday that his party's strict criteria for selecting candidates in Gujarat's upcoming local body polls could backfire more than opposition parties. He highlighted workers' unhappiness over rules on age, relatives, and prior terms denying them tickets. Vasava said these norms are demoralising loyal party members.
Bharuch BJP MP Mansukh Vasava, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a party workers' meeting in Bharuch on Wednesday, stated, "We are not afraid of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) or the Congress, but we are afraid that the strict rules laid down by state BJP higher-ups for the selection of candidates in the upcoming local body elections will backfire."
Vasava detailed the criteria: candidates must be below 60 years of age, have no relatives who are party members, and no tickets for those who have completed three terms. He added, "Party workers are unhappy…as they have poured their blood and sweat for the party. Now, when the time has come to give them a leadership role, they are denied tickets, which has demoralised them. The party is now seeking new faces for the local body election…"
He noted that such strict rules do not apply to parliamentary elections and questioned their use for local polls. Workers have personally shared their dissatisfaction with him, and Vasava believes selections should be more flexible to avoid further demoralising veteran members by introducing new faces.
According to The Indian Express, Vasava could not be reached for further comment.
