More trouble for Khanduri after Fonia’s attack

Talking to The Indian Express from his constituency,Fonia said,“Why is it that the Chamoli unit has been dissolved without any reason and without being given a proper chance to present its side?”

The BJP had dissolved the Chamoli unit on Saturday stating that there were complaints of irregularities against the unit in-charge.

Referring to the performance in the recent Lok Sabha polls,Fonia asserted,“While the BJP candidate trailed by a few thousand votes in Chamoli district,he trailed by no less than 17,000 votes in the Pauri district (which happens to be Khanduri’s bastion) and the axe fell on the former.”

Referring to his continuing advocating a leadership change,he said,“It’s an old story that still continues. No less than 26 legislators had gone to Delhi to seek a change. It has not died down.”

Fonia said that he happens to be a close friend of Khanduri as the two have studied together for several years. “We studied together from Pauri to Allahabad.” When asked why he wants a change”,he said. “Friendship has to be from both sides.”

The in-charge of the dissolved Chamoli unit Harak Singh Negi said,“I do not want to say anything on this issue right now. I will speak at an appropriate time.”

The BJP has taken a strong view on this development. Party general secretary and former minister Tirath Singh Rawat said that if anyone has any reservations,he should express it on a party platform and not elsewhere.

Ruling out the possibility of a leadership change,he further stated,“The process of analyzing the causes for the party’s defeat is still underway and more people are likely to face action. The Chamoli unit was dissolved as there were regular complaints of irregularities not during the Lok Sabha polls only but right from the Panchayat polls last year.”