BJP terms rebellion as "preliminary reaction"

BJP on Wednesday downplayed the threat of rebels spoiling the chances of its official candidates in fray for the October 13 Maharashtra Assembly elections describing it as a "preliminary reaction".

BJP on Wednesday downplayed the threat of rebels spoiling the chances of its official candidates in fray for the October 13 Maharashtra Assembly elections describing it as a "preliminary reaction".

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State unit spokesman Madhav Bhandari was reacting to decision of sitting MLA Vinay Natu to contest as an independent after the party parted with the newly carved out Guhagar assembly seat to Shiv Sena and protest by local workers in Ghatkopar West against the decision to give ticket to Poonam Mahajan, daughter of late Pramod Mahajan.

"We consider this as a preliminary reaction of resentment after the official list of candidates is declared. But efforts are on to pacify them. They are loyal workers of the party and will conduct themselves according to the party discipline," Bhandari said.

The last date of withdrawal of nominations is September 29.

He said the manifesto is expected to be released this week.

Asked if Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi will campaign in the state, Bhandari said all Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states and central leaders of the party will campaign in the state along with local leadership.