Internal disputes explode as Kerala BJP stung by funding scandals

Thiruvananthapuram: Caught in a relentless whirlpool of scandals, the recent attempts to forge unity within the BJP have completely collapsed. From the councilors' excessive displays of Hindu identity during the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation oath-taking ceremony to major fund embezzlement allegations, the controversies have caused huge embarrassment for the party. Consequently, efforts to bring fractured factions under one umbrella have proved futile.

Supporters of the party president, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, believe that the allegations, including the fund misappropriation charges, are part of a calculated move by rebels specifically targeting him. More leaders are expected to face financial allegations in the coming days.

This is not the first time a cash scandal has gripped the BJP. The Kodakara hawala heist was a major controversy during the interim period. The party is now being rocked by fresh allegations that leaders used central funds allocated for the assembly elections to clear their personal bank loans and purchase private vehicles.

However, the leadership maintains that all election expenditure accounts were closed long ago. They clarified that there is no basis to the rumors claiming the RSS has demanded action against the culprits or that the state president has asked the accused individuals to return the money. The fund scandal has emerged just as the party was considering former president K Surendran for the Attingal Lok Sabha constituency in the next elections.

Despite Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s attempts to eliminate factionalism by distributing key responsibilities across all camps, his efforts appear to have failed. The leadership has taken a serious view of internal party leaks and a recent incident where a fake circular, printed on old office letterheads announcing the expulsion of three leaders, was leaked to the media. While there may be an impending review of the staff structure, a significant portion of former employees still continues to work at the party headquarters.

Furthermore, the national embarrassment faced by the BJP regarding the Ayodhya donation scam has piled intense pressure on the state leadership. On top of this internal turmoil, the party is now forced to defend itself against Opposition onslaughts over nationwide issues, including irregularities in the NEET and NET examinations.