BJP Leader Shows Rare Loyalty After Losing Mandate, Bhagat’s Party-First Approach Highlights BJP Unity Amid Discontent, Rejects Rebellion Seen Across Jammu
Avinash Azad
In an uncommon display of party loyalty, a powerful contender for the BJP’s mandate in Jammu district has thrown his support behind the party’s chosen candidate, despite losing his own bid for the ticket.
This stands in stark contrast to the wave of revolts seen across Jammu and Kashmir following the BJP’s recent candidate announcements. Former bureaucrat Faqir Chand Bhagat, a longtime BJP associate who was considered a frontrunner for the party’s candidacy in the Bishnah assembly constituency (reserved for Scheduled Castes), has extended his support to Rajiv Bhagat. The BJP high command declared Rajiv as its candidate for the constituency in its 6th list of party candidates for the J&K Assembly polls 2014, released on September 8.
This show of unity comes at a time when several other BJP ticket seekers have publicly voiced their dissent. On the same day as the announcement, BJP J&K state vice president Pawan Khajuria from Udhampur revolted against the party, leveling serious allegations of corruption and nepotism in ticket distribution. Similar reports have emerged from multiple assembly constituencies across Jammu and Kashmir.
F.C. Bhagat’s response stands out for its restraint and party-first attitude. With a reported strong hold over 20,000 voters in Bishnah, Bhagat chose to respect the party’s decision without a word of criticism against the leadership.
A senior BJP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, praised Bhagat’s loyalty: “Fortunately, we have committed leaders like F.C. Bhagat, who, despite being a frontrunner for the party’s mandate, accepted the high command’s decision when someone else was chosen. At same time, unfortunately, some of our old colleagues revolt against the party for the sake of a ticket. A leader cannot be above the party…”
The leader added, “Bhagat’s support for the party’s candidate will ensure expected results. Certainly, like many others, he also tried to get the mandate. But he did not choose to rebel like others. The party has a lot of respect for such leaders.”
F.C. Bhagat himself confirmed his unwavering support in an exclusive statement to The Hidden News: “I never opposed the party’s decision. BJP is known for discipline. Today, Rajiv Ji visited Kabir Temple in Bishnah and took blessings. I assured him of my full support for the party’s cause.”
Emphasizing his commitment to the party, Bhagat added, “I was, I am, and I will be a soldier of the BJP. It is not good to speak against your own party, especially if you don’t get the mandate. I have my own workers on the ground, and after the party’s decision, I held a series of meetings with leaders and workers, requesting them to respect the high command’s decision, instead of provoking them to defame the party and leaders for personal gain.” As the J&K Assembly polls approach, the BJP will likely look to leaders like F.C. Bhagat to maintain unity and focus on their campaign objectives.
