150 BJP panna pramukhs join Independent’s cause

The recent move of over 150 panna pramukhs of the BJP switching parties and announcing support to Independent candidate Naveen Goyal is a major blow to the party amidst the Assembly election campaign.

Goyal, who decided to contest as an Independent after being denied ticket by the party, said these people were originally his supporters who, trusting him, had been working for the BJP. Panna pramukhs are ground-level workers of the party entrusted with door-to-door campaigns and getting people to their booths.

“Over 150 workers have come with me. These were my people who were serving the party. The party was not just to them and they couldn’t identify with the cause of the current nominee and joined me,” said Goyal.

Goyal has been emerging as a greater threat for the BJP candidate Mukesh Sharma with each passing day. A close associate to former CM Manohar Lal Khattar, Goyal has been targeting and penetrating the party’s local ranks and voter base. In addition to anti-incumbency, Goyal’s growing popularity is emerging as a major challenge for the BJP in Gurugram. Goyal said he worked for five years on ground for the party and now was just taking back what he had given.

“This time, it’s not about party symbols, but candidates. People want to vote for those who will be there to listen and resolve the problem and they know who can do so,” said Goyal.