BJP flags adverse effects of power cuts on households and industries in T.N.

A local leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was found murdered in Assam, prompting authorities to arrest five individuals in connection with the incident. Bikash Dhar, 52, was a resident of Chagalmowa village under Bazaricherra police station. His body was discovered in an abandoned house located in the Yogicherra area, close to the border with Tripura. The discovery has raised concerns about rising tensions in the region and the safety of political figures. Dhar’s death occurred amid heightened political activity in Assam, where the BJP holds considerable influence. The circumstances surrounding his murder remain unclear, though police have confirmed that five suspects were arrested following the incident. Details regarding the motive behind the killing have yet to be disclosed publicly. Authorities are conducting investigations into whether the crime was politically motivated or linked to personal disputes. The incident has drawn attention to the broader context of political violence in the northeastern states of India, where conflicts often arise due to ethnic, regional, and ideological differences. Assam has historically been a battleground for various political factions, including the BJP, which has gained traction in recent years through its appeal to local communities and promises of development. In addition to the murder in Assam, there have been other developments involving the BJP in Tamil Nadu. M Bhojarajan, the sole BJP member of the legislative assembly in Tamil Nadu, has been vocal in his criticism of the state government led by Chief Minister C. P. Vijay. Bhojarajan, 79, represents the Udhagamandalam constituency, which includes the hill station of Ooty. As the lone BJP MLA in the 234-member assembly, he has frequently taken positions contrary to those of the ruling party and the major opposition groups, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Bhojarajan’s dissent has manifested in walkouts from the assembly hall, particularly on issues such as the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. On the issue of NEET, the Vijay government proposed a resolution urging the central government to abolish the national-level entrance exam for medical colleges, allowing admissions based solely on Class 12 scores. Bhojarajan opposed this, arguing that NEET creates opportunities for students from Tamil Nadu, citing examples from distant regions like Pollachi who have succeeded in clearing the test. Instead of supporting the government’s proposal, he advocated for strengthening coaching infrastructure within the state. His stance on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, similarly diverged from the majority view. The Vijay government sought the central government’s withdrawal of the bill, claiming it could negatively impact charitable organizations. Bhojarajan, however, did not align with this position, highlighting potential benefits of the legislation for non-governmental entities. His arguments, while not widely supported, underscored his independent approach within the assembly. Bhojarajan’s political journey reflects a complex trajectory. Born in 1946, he comes from the Nilgiris region in northwestern Tamil Nadu, where he has deep roots in the tea industry. His career spans agriculture, business, and law, with experience as a planter, advocate, and associate of tea estates. Educated at Government Arts College in Ooty, he pursued law at Madras Law College and obtained a diploma in criminology from Madras Medical College. Initially affiliated with the Indian National Congress, he joined the BJP around 2014 after being considered for a Lok Sabha ticket from the Nilgiris decades prior. Despite his advanced age and limited political representation, Bhojarajan continues to play a unique role in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. His presence challenges the dominance of the Dravidian parties and highlights the BJP’s growing, albeit minimal, footprint in the southern state. His actions reflect both personal conviction and a strategic effort to assert the party’s voice in a legislature dominated by traditional power structures. Authorities in Assam continue to investigate the murder of Bikash Dhar, while political dynamics in Tamil Nadu remain fluid, shaped by the actions of individuals like Bhojarajan. The interplay between regional politics and national policy will likely shape future developments in both states.