Panchkula: Resentment in BJP, disheartened aspirants tread with caution

Although resentment is brewing among local leaders of the BJP after former Kalka MLA Latika Sharma and BJP leader from Panchkula Ranjita Mehta failed to get party ticket, the two are taking their strides with caution. They are holding meetings with their respective supporters, and state that they are yet to take a final decision on their next step.

A number of local party leaders in Kalka expressed resentment after Latika was not given the ticket from the segment.

On Wednesday, they stated that they wanted a local resident of Kalka to contest on the party ticket. Soon after the announcement of Shakti Rani Sharma’s candidature, they avowed support for Latika Sharma. However, on Friday evening, a large gathering in Kalka claimed that Latika Sharma was the only BJP leader in Kalka.

A local BJP member said, “We have done everything for the party, but it has only backstabbed us. The BJP’s councillors managed to win the local MC elections due to Latika’s efforts. We will campaign only in her support.” While Latika lauded the party, she also said that she had been working for the people during and after her tenure as an MLA.

Meanwhile, former president of the State Council for Child Welfare, Ranjita Mehta also met her supporters in Panchkula.

“I had joined the party over its developmental factors. Now, after the party decided to make Gian Chand Gupta its candidate from Panchkula, party workers wanted to meet me as I was also in the race for the nomination. I have been receiving calls from other rival parties too, while some have asked me to contest as Independent. I am talking to my husband and all party workers, and will take any decision after consultations,” she said.