Jaipur: Independents backed by BJP rebel Pradeep Kheechad won 22 of Sadulshahar municipality’s 25 wards, leaving BJP with two and Congress with one.Kheechad had campaigned for his wife Manisha after she was denied a BJP ticket. His group subsequently fielded independent candidates in all 25 wards, most of whom won.“The scale of the victory has put Kheechad in a strong position to influence formation of the municipal board,” said Aman Sandhu, a local political analyst and son of a former mayor.Sources said Kheechad is now in touch with the BJP state leadership and has been asked to come to Jaipur on Wednesday, where he is expected to be offered the BJP symbol.“Kheechad has remained a BJP worker and it is expected that the municipal board in Sadulshahar will be formed with BJP support,” a source said.The election had also drawn attention after Kheechad was allegedly assaulted in Ward 5 on polling day. His camp accused a group linked to the BJP MLA of being behind the incident. Kheechad later alleged bias by the SHO and demanded his removal.
