‘Disagreements harm party,’ says MP BJP chief on factional rifts:Hemant Khandelwal confirms board council appointments discussed, to be finalised soon

Hemant Khandelwal, who became the Madhya Pradesh BJP state president, is about to complete six months in office. During this period, several key messages have gone from the organisation to the government. These include promoting discipline, curbing rhetoric, a ‘ceasefire’ on factionalism, and appointments in boards and corporations. In a conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, Khandelwal emphasised that there is no scope for ‘deviating’ within the BJP now. Read the exclusive conversation – Bhaskar: You said in the first meeting that those who deviate will face problems. Have such people been identified? Hemant Khandelwal: The greatest strength of any organisation is discipline. Whether it is a family, a party, or an organisation, no system can last long without it. Whether leaders or workers, everyone must follow the party’s discipline. However, this does not mean severe action should follow a minor mistake. Sometimes, a worker makes an unintentional error. In such cases, advice is given and warnings issued. But if someone repeatedly breaks discipline and the situation escalates, the party must take strict measures. Bhaskar: Recently, some statements have made the party uncomfortable. Will there be strictness on this now? Hemant Khandelwal: It is human nature to sometimes make mistakes due to a lack of understanding. Our aim is to prevent such situations. But if any statement harms the party or organisation, it is addressed according to its seriousness, and action is taken. Bhaskar: There has been a long wait for appointments in boards, corporations, and councils. What is the current status? Hemant Khandelwal: Detailed discussions on these matters have already taken place. Organisational appointments were our priority and have been completed. Appointments in boards, corporations, and councils will follow soon. In my opinion, every position should be held by someone qualified, active, and capable of fulfilling the responsibility honestly. Bhaskar: How will you balance leaders who came from Congress and the old party workers? Hemant Khandelwal: This seems simple but is extremely challenging. There was a time when the party had few workers. Today, we have many dedicated workers. Assigning responsibility according to capacity and keeping everyone satisfied is a test for the organisation. BJP’s culture ensures that every worker performs their duties with dedication. Bhaskar: There has been long-standing tension between Bhupendra and Govind Singh in Sagar. Did you try to bring them together? Hemant Khandelwal: Disagreements among workers not only cause personal harm but also affect the party, ideology, and regional development. My efforts are not just in Sagar but in every district. I aim to foster dialogue, reduce differences, and build unity because organisational unity is the greatest strength during elections. Bhaskar: You pay tolls yourself, while many party workers have disputes at tolls. Why don’t you send them a message? Hemant Khandelwal: As an MLA, paying tolls is both a tradition and a matter of respect. Judges, the President, army officers, and other dignitaries also receive this facility. I pay the toll because of an incident in 2008. A public representative argued with a toll employee for ten minutes. I said, “Show your card.” From that day, I decided that public representatives should focus on important work. I have always followed this principle. Now, social media has brought attention to it. I never imagined a man from a village would become state president. I act according to what feels right. Bhaskar: Previous presidents used party vehicles. Why don’t you? Hemant Khandelwal: Previous presidents dedicated their entire time to the party. Party resources help them realise their potential. I am financially capable, so I do not need to use party resources. Resources should go to workers who need them. That is my approach. Bhaskar: Why was the designation of State President not mentioned in the letterhead for the sick person from Betul? Hemant Khandelwal: State President is a responsibility. As an MLA, my duty is to work for my constituency. When writing for development or medical assistance, it is inappropriate to use the State President letterhead. For organisational matters, I use the title. For constituency work in Betul, I act as an MLA.