State BJP president faces opposition within party

Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 23

State BJP president Shwait Malik is facing unrest within the party reportedly because of his style of functioning. While one group calls him authoritarian, the other says he is pushing workers hard while seeking discipline in the party.

At least five mandal pradhans, of the total 19, have resigned in Amritsar, which happens to be Malik’s constituency. In a recent incident in Jalandhar, two party general secretaries “forcibly” got his portrait installed in the local party office after a verbal duel with workers.

Talking to The Tribune, at least two former presidents have shared views about Malik’s “authoritarian” style of functioning. A senior leader alleged: “He is playing an active role in the party functioning at the grass-roots level, which is sending confusing signals among workers. Senior leadership in Delhi has been briefed about the unrest within the state unit. Veterans are not being involved in the party functioning.”

On the state of affairs in Amritsar, a senior functionary said: “The controversy erupted after an incident at a party function a month ago. Malik had commented on pradhans, who were reportedly ignorant about their team members. This upset a section of local leaders. Some vested interests are thus trying to exploit the situation.”

A senior office-bearer said: “There is no personal allegation against Malik. However, there is some logic in resentment over his interference in local issues. He is an MP and needs to play a bigger role.”

On muted public participation in rallies organised by the party in different parts of the state since Malik took over, a senior leader said: “He was avoiding mobilising crowd in the scorching sun and humid weather.”

When contacted, Malik said: “It is unfortunate that certain leaders are trying to tarnish the image of the party for vested interests by airing their grievances in public and the media. Such people are harming the party, which is known for its discipline.”