The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has relieved its president of the Tehri Mandal Yuva Morcha, Uttarakhand, Manika Rana, of her position following her joining the protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at the Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
The action is on the heels of the nationwide protest by the CJP against the alleged NEET paper leak and demand for reforms in the country’s education system. The BJP took a dim view of Rana’s presence at the demonstration, calling it a breach of party rules.
Rana attended the student protest in New Delhi, even as he is an office-bearer of the BJP’s youth wing, according to party sources. After she took part in the event, party resolved to oust her as President of Tehri Mandal Yuva Morcha.
However, in response to this decision, Manika Rana did not seem to be deterred, and stated that she had no regrets from participating in the protest.
In reply to the BJP’s action, Rana said, “I am glad that my demand has been met.”
Her comment implies that she placed the cause of protest before holding on to her position in the party organisation.
It has led to political debate, with some saying it is another example of party action within the party against party leaders who voice opposition to the party’s position in public.
In recent weeks, the CJP-led agitation has garnered the attention of students, activists and several public figures nationwide, making it one of the most-watched protest movements. The BJP, meanwhile, has always insisted that those who hold office at the party should adhere to party discipline and its policies.