The delicate power equations in the Indore unit of the BJP have been unsettled by a generational shift, making this party fortress the site of one of the most keenly watched contests in the Assembly election in Madhya Pradesh.
Akash Vijayvargiya is the party candidate in Indore 3, an urban seat he has decent chances of winning, but his contesting has raised questions over the party’s internal dynamics ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The delicate balance of power between his father, BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, who has been elected corporator to MLA from the Indore belt over the years, and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, who has been Indore MP since 1989, has been unsettled somewhat, as also that among various other leaders from Indore.
Usha Thakur, who won the Indore 3 seat in a tough fight with the Congress in 2013, has been moved to Mhow, Mr. Vijayvargiya senior’s constituency, while Ramesh Mendola, who was once considered close to him, has been fielded again in Indore 2.
United face
The party, however, puts up a united front, with Ms. Mahajan making an appearance at the inaugural of Mr. Akash Vijayvargiya’s campaign office, as she did for that of the Indore 5 candidate, Mahendra Hardia.
“I don’t know why this impression has gone out that Sumitra Tai had asked for ticket for either of her sons,” Mr. Kailash Vijayvargiya told The Hindu , in response to reports that she wanted ticket for her son, Mandar. “My son had been recommended from all five urban constituencies in Indore, and will fight the polls on his own, as I am not going to campaign in his seat.”
He said he himself did not want to contest this year and hence the question of fielding his son arose. His refusal has raised the question of whether he was eyeing the Indore Lok Sabha seat and if yes, what of Ms. Mahajan? He did not comment on any plans for 2019, only saying that he was in charge of the Malwa region for the BJP and with over 60 Assembly seats in this region alone, he wanted to be free from individual contest.
“As for Usha Thakur, it is my duty to make sure she wins as she has moved to my old seat, vacating Indore 3,” he said en route a meeting there along with Union minister Uma Bharati. “I met workers in 320 polling booths in Mhow, and we are all united.” Ms. Thakur’s chances are considered not too bright, as she has been para-dropped onto the seat and is facing rebellion in the district from leaders who hoped for ticket.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address an election meeting in the area (covering at least 17 Assembly constituencies) on November 18. BJP leaders hope that by then, the unsettled equations will settle somewhat.
