BJP wary of post-poll defections by elected candidates

The BJP in Karimnagar has introduced oath-taking ceremonies for its municipal poll candidates to prevent defections after elections. Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar administered oaths to aspirants, who pledged not to leave the party if elected.

Karimnagar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), appears to be wary of possible defections by its elected candidates after the municipal elections, amid concerns that post-poll realignments could alter the balance of power in civic bodies.

It is widely acknowledged that parties falling marginally short of securing a majority in municipalities or municipal corporations often attempt to lure elected representatives from rival parties to capture control. Anticipating such a scenario in the ongoing municipal polls, political parties have taken precautionary measures by seeking clear assurances from candidates on continuing with the party before handing over B-forms.

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Going a step further, the BJP has begun administering oaths to its contesting candidates during election campaigns. As part of the oath, candidates vow not to leave the party after winning the polls and to work with commitment for the party, as well as for the development of Karimnagar, the nation and society.

While participating in the poll campaign in Karimnagar town on Monday evening, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar administered the oath to a few BJP aspirants. Similar oath-taking programmes are being organised at corner meetings across the party’s campaign.

A BJP source said the move was prompted by earlier instances where some BJP corporators had joined other political parties after winning elections. Anticipating a repeat of such incidents, the party decided to bind contestants through public oaths, the source added.

Though a few Independent candidates have put up tough fights in some wards, the three main parties, Congress, BRS and BJP, are locked in a keen contest to capture municipalities and municipal corporations by securing a majority of councillor and corporator seats.

As a result, parties are leaving nothing to chance. Precautions have been taken right from candidate selection to the issuance of tickets, with parties opting to conduct surveys to assess the public standing and winning chances of aspirants instead of relying solely on recommendations.