BJP Suspends Vadodara Corporators for Indiscipline

Speaking Out, Speaking Wrong: Vadodara BJP Suspends Corporators for Anti-Party Conduct

In a party that prides itself on discipline, even "speaking the truth" can incur suspension, as Vadodara BJP cracks down on indiscipline amidst political sensitivities.

 

In a swift display of internal discipline, the Vadodara unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suspended two of its corporators—Ashish Joshi and Arvind Prajapati—for engaging in activities deemed detrimental to the party’s image. The move comes as the BJP reinforces its zero-tolerance approach to indiscipline, particularly at a time when political sensitivities are heightened both within and beyond the borders.

Current corporator Ashish Joshi and former corporator Arvind Prajapati were suspended by Vadodara city BJP president Dr Jayprakash Soni following separate incidents that triggered significant embarrassment for the party. Officially labelled “anti-party activity,” their actions were viewed as undermining the BJP’s reputation and internal coherence.

'Truth' Without Tact Draws Suspension

Ward No. 15 corporator Ashish Joshi faced disciplinary action for allegedly instigating women related to victims of the Harni Boat Tragedy to confront the Chief Minister during a recent public event. The incident, which occurred at a ceremony inaugurating development projects, embarrassed local authorities and cast a shadow over the Chief Minister’s visit. While Joshi claimed his actions were in the public interest, party leaders saw them as a breach of internal protocol and an act of indiscipline.

Joshi had previously come under scrutiny for repeated confrontations with senior civic officials, most notably the former Municipal Commissioner Dilip Rana, during an assembly meeting on canal sanitation. His conduct, combined with several social media posts critical of party leadership, culminated in a show-cause notice. When his response failed to satisfy the city unit, his suspension followed swiftly.

Social Media Misstep Costs Former Corporator Dearly

Former corporator Arvind Prajapati from Ward No. 2 was also suspended after he posted a digitally altered image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi appearing to smoke. The post sparked local outrage and was deemed not only disrespectful but also damaging to the party’s carefully cultivated image. Prajapati’s membership—both primary and active—was revoked immediately.

Crackdown Reflects Wider Pattern of Discipline

This is not the first instance of BJP's Vadodara unit cracking the whip. In the past, figures such as Alpesh Limbachiya—linked to former mayor Nileshsinh Rathod—faced expulsion over a pamphlet controversy. The trend signals a tightening of internal controls within a party that positions itself as “a party with a difference.”

Notice to Joshi Cites Repeated Warnings

The formal notice issued to Joshi cited persistent defiance:
"You have been repeatedly instructed both in writing and orally to uphold party discipline. Your behaviour has harmed the image of the organisation. Your association with events that publicly embarrassed the party cannot be overlooked. Following directives from the state leadership, your membership is hereby cancelled."

Politics, Protest, and Party Lines

Sources suggest Joshi’s proximity to victims of the Harni boat tragedy—while potentially driven by empathy—crossed an unofficial line within the party’s disciplined framework. In BJP’s current political ethos, even well-meaning dissent or whistle-blowing, when aired publicly, can be interpreted as factionalism or disloyalty.

The Vadodara city president’s recent actions may serve as a warning to others: in a party where image and unity are paramount, even the 'truth' must be spoken within the party lines.