Why Did a BJP Worker Take His Own Life After Being Denied a Ticket in Thiruvananthapuram?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Thampi's suicide raises serious questions about the internal dynamics within the BJP.
- A WhatsApp message sent prior to his death highlights the struggles faced by grassroots party members.
- This incident underscores the importance of mental health support within political organizations.
- It is a critical moment for the BJP as they navigate the implications of this tragedy.
- Political parties must prioritize the well-being of their members.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 (NationPress) A BJP worker tragically took his own life here on Saturday, reportedly after being passed over for a party nomination in the forthcoming Thiruvananthapuram municipal elections.
The individual, known as Anand K. Thampi, hailed from the Thrikkannapuram ward of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.
Initially, the BJP had declared Thampi as its candidate for the ward; however, his name was absent from the final candidate list.
According to party officials, the candidate shortlist had been finalized earlier, and Thampi’s name was never part of the official considerations.
In response, Thampi had expressed his intention to run as an independent candidate.
His passing has raised concerns within the local BJP unit, as a WhatsApp message allegedly sent by Thampi minutes prior to his death has come to light.
In the message directed at friends and media outlets, Thampi reportedly accused BJP leaders of denying him the opportunity to run, despite his active involvement as a grassroots worker. He also made allegations against certain BJP and RSS leaders.
Furthermore, he requested that no BJP or RSS leader be permitted to attend his funeral.
After sending the message, he took his own life at home, but upon discovery, friends, family, and police hurried him to a hospital in the state capital. Unfortunately, within ten minutes, it was confirmed that he had passed away.
This incident is viewed as a significant blow to the BJP, which had been optimistic about its prospects of gaining control of the esteemed civic body from the Left.
Currently, the BJP serves as the principal opposition in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation with 35 members, while the ruling CPI-M-led Left holds 51 seats. The Congress-led UDF maintains only 10 seats.