BJP on Monday expelled 13 leaders, including senior leader and former Minister Bhagat Chunni Lal, and Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) leader Arjun Trehan, for indulging in anti-party activities. The decision marked a firm stance by the saffron party as it geared up for the upcoming Municipal Corporation elections.
Bhagat Chunni Lal, a veteran BJP leader, is the father of Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Jalandhar West Mohinder Bhagat. Reports suggested that Chunni Lal’s association with AAP through his son raised concerns within the BJP. His presence at celebrations following his son’s election victory under the AAP banner added to the friction.
Arjun Trehan, another expelled leader, had publicly criticized the BJP leadership after being denied a ticket for the municipal elections. Trehan’s actions, deemed detrimental to party discipline, were cited as a key reason for his expulsion. Among the expelled leaders is also Inderpal Bhagat, whose activities reportedly contravened party principles.
The BJP’s Jalandhar unit on Monday issued a detailed statement confirming the expulsions, emphasizing that the action was necessary to uphold party discipline and unity. The statement revealed that complaints had been lodged by senior district leaders regarding Chunni Lal’s conduct during the Jalandhar West by-election, where his support for AAP indirectly weakened BJP’s prospects.
Chunni Lal had been a significant figure in Punjab politics, having served as a BJP Minister during earlier regimes. However, his son Mohinder Bhagat’s defection to AAP last year further strained ties. Mohinder Bhagat’s success as an AAP candidate in the Jalandhar West by-election, followed by his appointment as a Cabinet Minister, added fuel to the political rivalry.
WESTERN COMMAND CELEBRATES VIJAY DIWAS
Chandigarh: To commemorate Vijay Diwas, a wreath laying ceremony was organised at Veer Smriti in Chandimandir to pay homage to all the Bravehearts who made supreme sacrifice in the service of the Nation during 1971 war. Serving officers, veterans including previous Army Commanders and gallantry award winners paid tributes to their fallen comrades. The silence observed by all ranks present echoed skywards to the martyrs of this great Nation, as an appropriate tribute to their steely resolve. During this war the Indian Army demonstrated its selflessness and willingness to fight for the worthy cause of liberating a vast section of humanity against oppression and persecution. The 13-day war ended with the birth of Bangladesh and a surrender of more than 90,000 Pakistan Army personnel. It is one of the most swift and bravely fought military campaigns with India emerging decisively victorious.
