The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled Sandeep Naik, its former Navi Mumbai president, following allegations of anti-party activities. Naik’s rebellion followed the party’s decision to deny him the ticket for the Belapur constituency, where incumbent BJP MLA Manda Mhatre received renomination.
Sandeep Naik, who was previously a prominent figure in BJP, has since joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and is contesting the upcoming elections as a Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate for Belapur. The party leadership, however, did not take kindly to his defection and the resulting rebellion, which they claim undermines the party’s unity and discipline.
BJP’s Navi Mumbai president Ramchandra Gharat addressed the situation, stating that the party had to take a strong decision to send a clear message about its stand on discipline. He emphasized that Naik’s actions of opposing the official BJP candidate and working for their defeat were unacceptable. Gharat said that the party leaders were upset because someone entrusted with the responsibility of leading the party in the city went against it.
Naik’s defection has stirred local politics, with former corporators supporting him, while his father Ganesh Naik remains with BJP. The party remains firm on maintaining discipline and unity ahead of the crucial election cycle.
 has expelled Sandeep Naik, its former Navi Mumbai president, following allegations of anti-party activities. Naik's rebellion followed the party's decision to deny him the ticket for the Belapur constituency, where incumbent BJP MLA Manda Mhatre received renomination.){kind=link}