1 week ago
BJP Avoids Action Against Controversial Legislators Over Caste Equations
Two BJP lawmakers in Madhya Pradesh have made controversial comments again.
One is Preetam Lodhi, and the other is Pannalal Shakya.
Shakya was criticized for remarks about women and for attacking two ministers.
Lodhi was accused of encouraging conflict between communities.
Both lawmakers have caused controversy before.
The BJP state president told Shakya to be more careful.
However, party sources say the BJP fears upsetting the communities that support the two lawmakers.
Lodhi was once expelled over comments about Brahmins but was later welcomed back and given an election ticket.
Madhya Pradesh MLAs Preetam Lodhi and Pannalal Shakya have again triggered controversy with disputed remarks.
Shakya was accused of making an offensive comment about women and criticizing ministers Govind Singh Rajput and Pradhuman Singh Tomar.
Lodhi allegedly urged members of his community to confront people from a particular group and previously made comments about Brahmins.
BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal advised Shakya to avoid statements that could damage the party, but controversy continued.
Party sources say the BJP is reluctant to act against either MLA because of the communities they represent.
- Who
- BJP legislators Preetam Lodhi of Pichhore and Pannalal Shakya of Guna, along with BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal.
- What
- The legislators made disputed remarks, while the BJP has reportedly avoided strong disciplinary action against them.
- Where
- Madhya Pradesh, including Pichhore in Shivpuri district and Guna.
- When
- The latest remarks were made recently; Lodhi has issued more than half a dozen controversial statements during the past two and a half years.
- Why
- According to BJP sources, the party is concerned about antagonizing the communities represented by the two legislators.
Criticism of Inaction
BJP's Reported Caste-Equation Concern
Party image and discipline
Criticism of Inaction
The legislators' repeated disputed remarks are described as damaging the BJP's image and undermining party discipline.
BJP's Reported Caste-Equation Concern
According to BJP sources, taking action could antagonize the communities associated with the two legislators.
Response to controversial remarks
Criticism of Inaction
Critics can point to the view that social-media explanations and advice have not stopped the lawmakers from making further controversial statements.
BJP's Reported Caste-Equation Concern
The party has so far handled the matter through statements and advice, including Hemant Khandelwal's warning to Shakya.
Lodhi's political return
Criticism of Inaction
Lodhi's earlier expulsion over comments about Brahmins illustrates the seriousness of his remarks.
BJP's Reported Caste-Equation Concern
The BJP later readmitted Lodhi and gave him a ticket for the 2023 Assembly election, reflecting the reported importance of electoral and community considerations.
Key facts
- Party
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- State
- Madhya Pradesh
- Legislators
- Preetam Lodhi and Pannalal Shakya
- Constituencies
- Pichhore and Guna
- Reported concern
- The BJP is reportedly wary of alienating the legislators' caste and community groups.
- Lodhi's party history
- He was expelled over comments about Brahmins, then readmitted before the 2023 Assembly elections and given a BJP ticket.
Quotes
Pannalal Shakya
MLA from Guna district, BJP representative
“I have always stood up for my community and will not back down from confronting those who disrespect us.”
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“We must not let any minister undermine our rights; the people of our community deserve justice.”
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Sources
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