The BJP is in a dilemma over taking a disciplinary action against party legislator and former Forest Minister Choudhary Lal Singh for floating an apolitical outfit ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
After floating the Dogra Swabhiman Sangathan on July 22, Lal Singh has intensified political activities to make inroads into BJP’s citadels by raking up pro-Dogra sentiments.
Sources said the BJP top leadership had discussed Lal Singh’s ongoing “apolitical” campaign to restore dignity of the ethnic Dogra minority but the leaders were divided over taking any action at this point of time. “Any action against Lal Singh, ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, might prove disastrous for the party because he has successfully struck an emotional chord with people by raising emotive issues concerning the Dogras,” a top BJP leader, who did not wish to be named, told Kashmir Post.
“What would be the ground for taking action against Lal Singh?” he asked, adding, “As of now the party leadership is helplessly watching Lal Singh hijack the pro-Jammu agenda and push the BJP to the wall.”
“The BJP is already facing allegation of humiliating, insulting and demonising the Dogra community. Any action against him at this juncture would substantiate the charge,” he said, adding that Lal Singh was cleverly focusing on “annoyed” Dogras of Jammu to strengthen his base in saffron party’s strongholds.
The sources said the issue of Lal Singh’s apolitical organisation was on the agenda of BJP’s disciplinary committee meeting held on Thursday but it was later deleted due to a lack of consensus among leaders. “The state unit wants to discuss the issue with the high command before taking any step,” a source said, adding, “Verbal directions have already been issued to the cadre not to attend any function of Lal Singh in their respective areas.”
While floating his apolitical organisation, Lal Singh had released a “Vision Document” in which all political issues pertaining to the Jammu region were listed.
Leaders divided
The BJP top leadership has thoroughly discussed Lal Singh’s ongoing “apolitical” campaign to restore dignity of the ethnic Dogra minority but the leaders were divided over taking any action at this point of time
Any action against Lal Singh might prove disastrous for the party because he has successfully struck an emotional chord with people by raising emotive issues concerning the Dogras
