What is future of JAYS in MP? Why Mahendra Kannoj joined BJP? Is Hiralal Alawa losing grip on party workers?

As the Jai Adivasi Yuva Shakti Sangathan (JAYS) strives to establish itself on a national scale, it faces internal challenges, notably with the departure of its founder, Mahendra Kannoj, who has recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Madhya Pradesh. This significant shift is not an isolated incident but the result of growing discontent among JAYS members, particularly with the leadership style of the organization's patron, Dr. Hiralal Alawa.

The dissatisfaction within JAYS has been brewing for several years. Kannoj's exit highlights a culmination of frustrations related to Alawa's decision-making and political strategies. Initially, JAYS emerged in the last decade as a vibrant college student organization in the Malwa-Nimar region. It quickly gained traction by winning student union elections across various colleges, challenging the dominance of established political party student units.

JAYS members aimed to field candidates for assembly elections

Buoyed by their success, JAYS members aspired to extend their influence into the legislative arena. They aimed to field candidates for the assembly elections under the JAYS banner. However, their ambitions were thwarted by Alawa, who chose a different path. Instead of supporting the organization's independent political aspirations, Alawa aligned himself with the Congress Party. In 2018, he secured a Congress ticket and won the Manawar assembly seat.

Renewed pressure from JAYS members on Alawa

The 2023 elections brought renewed pressure from JAYS members on Alawa to contest independently, reinforcing the organization's identity. Alawa initially announced plans to field candidates in 80 constituencies across the state. However, he ultimately opted to align with the Congress once more, securing another term as an MLA but further alienating many within JAYS.

Internal dissatisfaction intensified

This repeated alignment with the Congress and Alawa's perceived self-serving actions intensified internal dissatisfaction. Alawa's leadership faced criticism for his handling of the organization's political strategy and his diminishing rapport with members. Mahendra Kannoj's decision to join the BJP underscores the growing discontent and the internal struggle within JAYS, reflecting a broader displeasure with Alawa's leadership.