Local BJP leaders warn of opposition to fielding defector from Nainital
Sunday, 16 January 2022 | PNS | Dehradun | Nainital
Former MLA and Mahila Congress state president Sarita Arya bluntly told reporters that she would not hesitate to shift to the Bharatiya Janata Party if she is ignored by the Congress and if the BJP gives her the ticket to contest the Assembly election. Responding to queries raised by media persons at the Congress Bhawan on Saturday, Arya said that the Congress national general secretary Priyanka Gandhi had said, “Ladki Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon” (I am a girl, I can fight). “Considering this too, if not 40 per cent, at least 20 per cent tickets should be given to women candidates here. So far, I have worked as a faithful soldier of the Congress but it is getting difficult for me to hold women back in the party. They are seeking tickets but also wondering what I can do if I too am being ignored,” said Arya.
On being asked if she will shift to BJP if given a ticket by that party she said, “Definitely. This is a democracy and we are free to take our decisions. I will also tell the same to my sisters here.” It should be mentioned here that Arya reportedly met senior BJP leaders in Dehradun on Friday night to discuss possibilities.
Talking to The Pioneer correspondent in Nainital on the phone, Arya reiterated that she will join the BJP if the party fields her from Nainital constituency. Meanwhile, observers point out that addressing this scenario is not simple for the BJP with about half a dozen of its leaders contending for the party ticket from Nainital. If Arya is fielded by the BJP from Nainital, there is a possibility of dissent. The BJP Mahila Morcha, Mandal chairperson Deepika Binwal stated in a Press release that the Morcha will welcome any leader from any party joining the BJP. However, if the party fields any such leader from Nainital, the Nainital Mahila Morcha will strongly oppose it.
