Vadodara: Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today announced the suspension of Dr. Jyotiben Pandya (Vadodara) from all posts and primary membership of the party.

The decision was taken on the instruction of Gujarat BJP chief CR Patil, according to a note released by State BJP media convener Yagnesh Pandya today.

Jyotiben Pandya is a senior functionary of the party. She is former Mayor of Vadodara and national vice president of BJP Mahila Morcha (Women’s’ wing). She was expecting a Lok Sabha ticket to contest the Vadodara Lok Sabha seat this year and even five years ago in 2019.

The party yesterday announced its decision to field incumbent two-term Vadodara MP Ranjanben Bhatt again on the Vadodara seat. The party has in its note doesn’t specify the reason for the decision to suspend Dr. Pandya.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jyotiben Pandya told media persons – I am former Mayor,, national vice president of BJP Mahila Morcha, and Central zone Spokesperson also. I had gone to Mahisagar recently to address a press conference for the party. Modi sir is my ideal. I have nothing against Modi sir, Amitbhai, and CR Patil. But this woman (Ranjanben Bhatt) is given a third term ticket. What do you want from Vadodara that you field her again and again? If she is a lady, then I am also a lady. I have worked for BJP for 28-30 years dedicately. When I was Mayor I was firm that corruption must not be tolerated. I am a really eligible person. I can show my biodata. I have been active in public life for the last 30 years. I have worked as an independent director and as Mayor. I keep learning every day. I want to be a whistle bearer. I know it’s a suicide. BJP’s Sun is at its peak at present. I told the party in the morning that I didn’t want to work. My conscious is not ready.’

‘I want to ask BJP what caliber is lacking in me? I have always spoken for the good of the party. See my education. I am BJP with my DNA. I am concerned about the development of Vadodara. I want to keep an end. The money for the development of Vadodara and you need to check where the mall is built? The ticket is given to a person who is not accepted by people. I want to say something which is not good for the party. I am 58 years old. For the last 28 years, I have traveled through the country, leaving my family behind. A small party worker is in fear. Party workers are tensed that they would face suspension. I am quitting the party. My Prime Minister and my party chief are ideal. The mistake has happened from a top connection elsewhere.’ DeshGujarat