Always in the news mostly for wrong reasons- controversial former BJP legislator- Narendra Mehta who had taken political “Sanyas” (retirement) last year has indicated taking a plunge into the political arena once again.
In a video message, Mehta has now sought public opinion about his decision of resuming active politics by returning to the BJP party-fold. Days before an offensive video clip went viral on social media platforms in February-2020, Mehta had announced that he was quitting all party posts but would continue with his social service activities.
Notably, the tug-of-war within the Mira Bhayandar unit resurfaced after the state leadership appointed municipal corporator- Ravi Vyas as the city chief of the party last week. Stung by the sudden appointment, several BJP corporators in the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) and office-bearers of the party led by Mayor- Jyotsna Hasnale registered their protest with the state party chief.
“I had voluntarily quit due to some unavoidable circumstances. However, the simmering discontent amongst the party cadres over Vyas’s appointment was bound to spell doom and damage the political prospects of the party, prompting me to review my decision and embark on damage control before things go out of hand. But I will rejoin only if the public wants me to. Moreover, I am not vying for any post.” said Mehta.
Despite tasting defeat at the hands of rebel candidate- Geeta Jain in the assembly polls and later quitting the party, last year, Mehta who stayed away from political meetings and functions has been desperate to maintain his dominance over the civic body.
Though party workers agree that the BJP has grown in the city under Mehta’s leadership, several heavyweight corporators and a section of old guards and die-hard party loyalists were unhappy with his autocratic style of functioning.
