Troubles seem to be mounting by each passing day for the BJP. After the results of Maharashtra and Haryana assembly results, which were entirely not to the expectations of the BJP top brass, the Maharashtra imbroglio began. Its long time live-in partner started flirting with arch rivals NCP and the Congress and this is definitely a setback. Losing Shiv Sena is a big reversal both ideologically and politically. Now, there is every possibility that the next government in Maharashtra may not be a BJP government.
As if this was not enough, the alliance partners in Jharkhand are also playing hardball. Both the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) and the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) of Ram Vilas Paswan are demanding more seats from the BJP. Unhappy with the BJP's offer, the LJP has decided to go it alone and contest in 50 of the 81 seats. Last time, it contested one and lost it. Similarly, the AJSU wants to contest from 12 seats instead of the 9 seats offered by the BJP. It has also announced its candidates for the 12 seats. It is clear that these two parties are emboldened by the developments in Maharashtra.
Shocked by the defiance of its junior partners, the BJP had to put on hold the announcement of its second list of candidates and has started efforts to mollify the sulking partners. It has begun talks with both the parties to ensure that there is no split in its vote.
As if this was not enough, the alliance partners in Jharkhand are also playing hardball. Both the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) and the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) of Ram Vilas Paswan are demanding more seats from the BJP. Unhappy with the BJP's offer, the LJP has decided to go it alone and contest in 50 of the 81 seats. Last time, it contested one and lost it. Similarly, the AJSU wants to contest from 12 seats instead of the 9 seats offered by the BJP. It has also announced its candidates for the 12 seats. It is clear that these two parties are emboldened by the developments in Maharashtra.
Shocked by the defiance of its junior partners, the BJP had to put on hold the announcement of its second list of candidates and has started efforts to mollify the sulking partners. It has begun talks with both the parties to ensure that there is no split in its vote.