BJP Drops Candidate Over Social Media Backlash

In a remarkable development in Pune's civic polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to withdraw the candidature of Pooja More-Jadhav. This decision came after significant backlash from within the party, primarily due to her past comments and social media posts that criticized Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The BJP had initially announced More-Jadhav as the candidate for Ward No. 2, but her nomination sparked opposition among party workers. Old videos and posts resurfaced, leading to a sustained campaign against her by party members. Union minister and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol confirmed the withdrawal of her nomination.

Pooja More-Jadhav described herself as a victim of social media trolls. After the withdrawal, she shared insights into her personal and political journey, stating that she comes from a modest background and has faced numerous struggles. She mentioned her active participation in farmers' movements and the challenges she encountered, including police baton charges and legal battles.

"I have faced significant hardships, including times when I couldn't afford legal representation, but I never gave up," she said. More-Jadhav highlighted that misinformation was spread about her, claiming that some comments attributed to her were made by another individual.

She addressed the backlash regarding a photograph with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, clarifying that it was taken during the Bharat Jodo Yatra when she submitted a memorandum related to farmers' issues.

Despite the challenges, Pooja More reaffirmed her commitment to the BJP. "I am a fighter and will continue to work for the party and uphold the principles of Hindutva," she declared. Her determination to remain a dedicated BJP worker reflects her resilience in the face of adversity and the complexities of political life in contemporary India.

This incident underscores the growing influence of social media in politics, where past statements can resurface and significantly impact a candidate's prospects. As political landscapes evolve, the implications of online discourse will continue to shape party dynamics and election outcomes across India.