NewDelhi: A new scandal was reported from Rajkot, Gujarat where patients of a local hospital stated that they were given BJP membership cards without their knowledge. An episode, highlighted by Aaj Tak reporter Bhargavi Joshi, recorded that 350 patients of Ranchhod Das Trust Hospital claimed they were enrolled in BJP membership list while they were undergoing treatment in the hospital.
Kamlesh Thummar, a 38-year-old man from Junagadh, was operated for the removal of cataracts in his right eye and was the one who shared the story. On the basis of Thummar, late at night while patients were asleep an unknown person came to them, noted their mobile numbers and asked for the OTPs. The OTPs were provided to patients who then received messages indicating that they had been enrolled as BJP members.
It was at night when most of us were sleeping; the person gained access to the house. He further demanded our mobile numbers and OTPs. This followed by messages stating that we have become the member of BJP,” Thummar explained after sharing the OTPs.
The forced enrollment, if true, has impacted about 350 patients, and it has created a lot of concern among those who had no idea about the BJP’s participation. These patients included those who were undergoing other medical procedures and were in some cases, very frail.
As for these allegations, the Gujarat BJP has categorically rejected such charges. One of the leading officials of the party said that “That is all fabrication and a complete lie.” Our membership drives are conducted in a non-coercive manner and with explicit consent from members. This aspect was established politely with a clear implication that the matter is under investigation to ascertain whether there had been any other similar occurrences during a convention sponsored by the organization.
This has brought into question the ethical conduct of political parties in seeking membership for its activates especially in fragile areas like hospitals. AICPDF had earlier displayed similar concern against quick commerce companies which highlights that there is a deeper issue with membership drives being unethical in India.
Local Self-governing bodies and consumer protection associations are now examining the facts to confirm the allegations or not and whether the confidentiality and consent of patients were infringed. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) may also be called upon to investigate the practices if evidence is found to corroborate the allegations.
The public has given mixed feedback with many being incensed by the prospect of the abuse of their personal data as well as the threats that the patients were subjected to in an attempt to get them to sign up to the program. The incident has sparked discussions on social-networking sites, emphasizing the importance of stringent ordinances on political enrolment campaigns.
As a result, the accusations of forced BJP membership creation at Ranchhod Das Trust Hospital have created controversies regarding the party image and how it functions, and there have been demands from the public to come clean. As the investigations progress, the outcome will greatly alter the relationship of the political parties and individuals in the respective countries, reintroducing the need to participate in politics ethically.