Political chaos has erupted within the Sonipat BJP following the party’s decision to award the ticket to Mayor Nikhil Madan. Resignations from officials began on Wednesday night. Former cabinet ministers Kavita and Rajiv Jain, upset over not receiving tickets, have given the BJP high command an ultimatum to respond by September 10.
On Sunday, Kavita and Rajiv Jain showed their frustration in front of party workers, crying over the situation. They have postponed their decision on whether to run in the elections for two more days. They plan to form a 21-member committee to discuss their options. In a workers’ meeting, they harshly criticized BJP candidate Mayor Nikhil Madan and expressed their dissatisfaction with the party leadership. Kavita Jain said, “I have served the party for 38 years, and this is how I am repaid.”
If Kavita Jain decides to run, there will be a triangular contest for the Sonipat seat. If she chooses not to run, the election will be a direct fight between BJP’s Nikhil Madan and Congress’s Surendra Panwar, who is currently jailed.
The BJP faces a significant risk of sabotage if Kavita Jain does not support Nikhil Madan. With both major parties, BJP and Congress, having announced their candidates, political activity has intensified.
In past elections, MLA Jaiveer Singh and Pawan Kharkhoda have frequently competed. In 2014, Kharkhoda ran as an independent while Singh represented Congress. In 2019, Kharkhoda contested from JJP, and Singh from Congress. Singh won and became MLA for the third time. This year, Kharkhoda is running on a BJP ticket, while Singh is seeking a fourth term with Congress.
With candidates now announced, the political scene in Sonipat is heating up. Each contender is working hard to gain support. As the election nears, the political temperature is expected to rise, making the outcome uncertain.