Chandigarh, September 15
Rumblings over ticket distribution within the BJP are on the rise. Party leaders are openly alleging that merit is being ignored in seat distribution in the list of 43 candidates announced recently.

The BJP seems to have a “problem of plenty” with nearly half-a-dozen leaders projecting themselves as chief ministerial candidates. The newly elected MP from Karnal Ashwani Chopra has accused party stalwarts of “manipulation” in seat distribution. He said despite being the MP, he was not consulted while announcing the names for Panipat (Rural), Karnal and Assand seats.

The BJP has announced the name of ML Khattar as its Karnal candidate. Khattar has the support of the RSS and is being projected by some as a chief ministerial candidate. In Hansi, a former BJP MLA PK Choudhary has revolted against the party and announced that he would contest as an Independent against the official nominee. He has gone a step ahead, saying his supporters will ensure that the BJP is wiped out in Hisar district.

Another former MLA Major Nirpinder Sangwan has indicated that he too will contest against the official party nominee from Dadri (Bhiwani district).

The BJP has announced seats from Hansi, Nalwa, Hisar, Narnaund and Barwala in the Hisar district which has created heartburn among leaders.

In Jhajjar, considered a Jat heartland, the BJP is facing revolt with two-time Bahadurgarh MLA Nafe Singh Rathi protesting denial of ticket. Earlier with the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), Rathi had recently joined the BJP on the promise that he will be fielded by the party.

The BJP has announced the ticket for Naresh Kaushik from Bahadurgarh. Rathi has threatened to contest the Assembly elections as an Independent if the party does not review its decision.

There have been a series of protests against BJP state president Ram Bilas Sharma. Those denied ticket have accused Sharma of “manipulation”.

Rathi said he got a secrete survey conducted to find out winnable candidate. In the survey, he turned out to be the best candidate.

Chopra has shot off a letter to party national president Amit Shah. He said, "I have sent a letter to the national president on the behalf of the party workers and have conveyed their feelings of neglect by local leadership".