Rift in BJP widens, party’s Muslim face quits

The rift in BJP over ticket distribution widened on Tuesday, with party’s Muslim face in Rajasthan, Habib Ur Rehman, quitting after being denied ticket. The denial of ticket to any Muslim candidate left BJP state Minority Morcha running for cover. The Morcha has sought 10-12 seats, like Puskhar, Kaman, Tijara, Deedwana, Nagaur, Aadarsh Nagar, Mandawa, Kota North, Tonk, Barmer and Jaisalmer and Sikar, for Muslim candidates.

In 2013, two Muslim candidates – including Rehman — won elections on BJP tickets. This time, Rehman was replaced by Mohanram Chaudhary following BJP’s insistence, sources said. Rehman, the MLA from Muslim-dominated Nagaur Assembly seat, is likely to join Congress. Miffed over being denied tickets, supporters of at least 20 leaders protested outside the state BJP headquarters in Jaipur and party’s district offices. Supporters of Chandrakanta Meghwal, who was denied ticket from Ramganj Mandi in Kota, protested in Jaipur. Barmer Urban Improvement Trust chairperson and BJP leader Priyanka Chaudhary also resigned from her post.