Political turf war: Arora, Sudha face-off in Thanesar civic polls

Following their intense contest in the last Assembly election, Congress MLA Ashok Arora and BJP leader Subhash Sudha are once again locked in a prestige battle — this time in the Thanesar Municipal Council elections. Both leaders are actively leading their parties’ campaigns, seeking to establish dominance in the local body polls.

During the Assembly elections, Arora had managed to bring several local BJP leaders into the Congress fold. However, in a reversal of fortunes, a number of Arora’s close aides have now switched allegiance to the BJP ahead of the civic polls.

Thanesar Congress MLA Ashok Arora accused the BJP of resorting to pressure tactics to lure his supporters. "The BJP has not been able to digest its defeat in the Assembly election and is using pressure tactics to make local leaders join them. During the Assembly polls, several BJP members joined Congress, and now, in frustration, the BJP is coercing Congress workers," he alleged.

Arora further claimed that Independent candidates contesting from various wards were also facing pressure. "Local elections used to be about brotherhood, but the BJP is misusing its power to maintain control over civic bodies. Despite this, Congress will contest strongly, focusing on issues such as corruption, drainage, sewage and sanitation. Just as in the Assembly election, we are confident that the people of Thanesar will continue to support us," he asserted.

Meanwhile, BJP leader and former minister Subhash Sudha, who has been actively inducting Congress workers into the BJP, dismissed Arora’s allegations. "The BJP is getting stronger and we will secure a majority victory in the civic body elections. The Congress MLA has failed to work for the people of Thanesar. The wrongdoings in the Assembly election have been exposed and appropriate legal action will follow," he said.

Sudha refuted claims of coercion, asserting that people were joining the BJP voluntarily. "In a democracy, every person has the right to join any party. People are impressed with the policies of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is why they are coming to us in large numbers. There is no pressure on anyone. Independent candidates are also extending their support to BJP nominees," he added.

Confident of a sweeping victory, Sudha declared that all 32 wards, along with the post of chairperson of the Thanesar Municipal Council, would be represented by BJP candidates. "We urge the people of Thanesar to elect BJP representatives to ensure smooth development," he said.