Agartala, 4th November 2026 : Discontent has reportedly surfaced within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Belonia following the announcement of its candidates for the upcoming Belonia Municipal Council elections, with several long-time party workers expressing dissatisfaction and considering contesting as independents.
According to party insiders, a section of veteran BJP workers is unhappy over the selection of candidates, alleging that the party leadership has overlooked dedicated members who stood by the organisation during difficult political periods. They claimed that despite the availability of several educated and experienced party workers across the 17 wards, the leadership failed to give adequate representation to deserving grassroots members.
The resentment is particularly pronounced among those who participated in the 2015 municipal elections despite alleged intimidation by CPI(M) supporters. Several former office-bearers and members of the district and mandal committees have reportedly been left out of the candidate list, triggering dissatisfaction among sections of the party’s organisational ranks.
The situation has taken a further turn as some disgruntled workers have decided to enter the electoral fray independently. Rajnath and Jayajit Bhattacharya are among those reportedly preparing to contest after collecting nomination papers. They are expected to file their nominations either on Wednesday or Thursday.
Another major source of resentment, according to the dissatisfied workers, is the nomination of individuals whom they described as outsiders, including some allegedly associated with the CPI(M) in the past. They claimed that the decision has disappointed party supporters and grassroots workers in several wards.
With resentment reportedly spreading across multiple wards, the candidate selection has triggered an internal challenge for the BJP ahead of the Belonia Municipal Council elections. Whether the party leadership can address the grievances and prevent further dissidence remains to be seen.
