Even though it still reserves the majority in the Surat Municipal Corporation, murmurs about AAP’s disintegration are now hitting high decibel. While insiders have hinted at rebellious leaders wanting to jump ship, five of the elected representatives of the party “are not in touch” with the party high command. Leader of Opposition in the civic body, Dharmesh Bhanderi, charged BJP with luring its councillors.
“WhatsApp calls are being made by the BJP go-betweens,” he alleged. In fact, Mr Bhanderi shared the number: “Councillor Mahesh Adadhan of ward No 3, Rachna Heerpara of ward 17 and Kundan Kothia, councillor of ward 4, have indeed been offered to join BJP by dialling into 9401513994.”
On the other hand, AAP has accused Vipul Movalia (councillor, ward 16) of spreading factionalism in the party, inciting elected members against the party, not working in the ward and refusing to co-ordinate with party office bearers. A show notice has been issued to him. “The BJP is sparing no means to divide and rule. They are out to buy our members. We hope that the people who won under AAP’s aegis do not deflect,” Mr Bhanderi elaborated to VO!.
According to sources, five of AAP’s councillors (four being women) are no longer in touch with the party, have refused to take calls or attend meetings. Ever since Mahesh Savani’s exit from the party, speculation has been rife over 10 other AAP councillors. “Only time will tell who have betrayed us,” shared AAP’s South Gujarat in-charge Ram Dhaduk.
