For BJP, poll tickets a 'relative' issue?

The pati-patni-bahu business in BJP has now reached Delhi. The party that was about to declare the final list of 31 candidates for BMC polls on Sunday has now deferred the decision, and like archrival Congress the final verdict rests with the high command.u00a0

That's because senior politicos want to field their daughter-in-laws, wives or trusted persons on at least half-a-dozen seats. This, when central observer Venkaiah Naidu and even state president Sudhir Mungantiwar had clearly stated that family ties shouldn't be an issue while distributing tickets for elections.

On Sunday, according to party insiders, a bunch of senior leaders including the city chief flew to Delhi after all their meetings over ticket distribution failed in Mumbai. "In the parley with Gadkariji, we hear that he has asked everyone to resolve the matter as soon as possible. However, Raj Purohit is still adamant that he gets a ticket for his daughter-in-law. Also Arvind Bane, the sitting corporator, wants a ticket for his wife. The list of such aspirants is huge," said a party insider.

When MiD DAY approached BJP leader Raj Purohit about this, he said, "My wife, daughter and even daughter-in-law are all in politics and are part of the unit. They have been working hard for the party. It's in the hands of the high command to decide who to give tickets to and who not." u00a0

Meanwhile, with nominations to be filed by January 31, sources say a few top leaders in the party now want some seats to be exchanged with Shiv Sena. "Ward number 213 came in BJP quota. However, there are a few people in the party who want that seat to be given to Sena in exchange for 214. The case is the same with 83 and 84, where the former seat is with BJP and the latter with Sena," said a party leader, who did not wish to be named.u00a0Purohit said it's the issue of OBC certificates that's delaying the process. "The list is ready, but we are awaiting certificates from some OBC candidates to make the final declaration," he said.