A public altercation between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Rajasthan was recorded on camera at the party’s state office in Jaipur on February 24, 2024. The incident involved MLA Jawahar Singh Bedham, representing the Khandela constituency, and BJP’s Sikar district president Babu Lal Nagar. Visual evidence shows the two individuals engaging in a heated verbal exchange, escalating to physical confrontation, including collar-grabbing and raised voices. Party members present at the scene intervened to separate the leaders, though the exact trigger of the disagreement remains undisclosed.
The video, which circulated widely on social media platforms, has drawn attention to internal discord within the Rajasthan BJP. State BJP president C.P. Joshi confirmed awareness of the incident, stating the matter would be reviewed by the party’s disciplinary committee. Senior leaders emphasized adherence to organizational protocols, hinting at potential consequences for violations of conduct norms. This incident follows a pattern of recent factional disputes within the state unit, including the expulsion of former MLA Habibur Rehman in January 2024 for alleged anti-party activities.
Political analysts note Rajasthan’s significance as a BJP stronghold, with the party securing 24 of 25 Lok Sabha seats during the 2019 general elections. However, internal cohesion has been tested ahead of the 2024 polls, with public spats risking perceptions of disunity. The Congress party seized the opportunity to critique the BJP, with state Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra labeling the altercation as indicative of “anarchy” within the ruling party. Dotasra further linked the incident to broader governance issues, alleging the BJP’s focus on internal conflicts detracts from public welfare.
The BJP’s central leadership has maintained a cautious stance, avoiding direct commentary but underscoring the importance of discipline. A national spokesperson reiterated the party’s commitment to resolving internal matters through established frameworks, stressing accountability for members who deviate from expected conduct. Meanwhile, local BJP workers expressed concerns over the incident’s impact on grassroots morale, particularly in Sikar district, where both leaders hold influence.
Historical data reveals this is not the first instance of public friction among Rajasthan BJP members. In 2022, similar tensions surfaced during local body elections, with disagreements over ticket distribution leading to protests. Such recurring episodes underscore challenges in balancing individual ambitions with collective party strategy, a dynamic exacerbated in states with high electoral stakes.
The video’s virality has prompted discussions on political decorum, with civil society groups and commentators urging parties to prioritize dialogue over confrontation. Rajasthan’s electorate, which voted the BJP to power in the 2023 assembly elections, now observes these developments closely, as internal stability often correlates with public trust. With the Lok Sabha elections approaching, the BJP’s ability to mitigate factionalism may influence its electoral prospects in the region.
