Madhya Pradesh Assembly Elections 2018: The BJP is most worried about the Damoh seat, represented by finance minister Jayant Malaiyya (Express Photo/Tashi Tobgyal/File)
The BJP Wednesday expelled 53 rebel candidates who did not withdraw their nominations before the deadline was over at 3 pm on Wednesday. The ruling party was hoping to persuade them, and has tried various means over the last few days to win them over, but decided to throw them out late on Wednesday when the rebels dug their heels in.
Former ministers Ramkrishna Kusmaria and K L Agrawal, three former MLAs and a former mayor were among those axed by the party that faced more dissidence than the Congress. The Opposition party, which is facing rebellion in 12 seats, had expelled former MLA Xavier Meda Wednesday.
The BJP, however, was most worried about Damoh seat, represented by finance minister Jayant Malaiyya. Kusmaria has filed nominations from Damoh and neighbouring Patharia.
Madhya Pradesh goes to polls on November 28.