India, Dec. 31 -- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Navi Mumbai plunged into turmoil on Tuesday after 13 candidates loyal to Belapur MLA Manda Mhatre failed to file nominations because their AB forms lacked the party's city president Rajesh Patil's signature. Mhatre accused senior leader Ganesh Naik of orchestrating "dirty politics" to sideline long-time party workers and promote defectors loyal to him.

The episode has triggered widespread anger, defections, and rebellion within the party. Several BJP leaders who were denied tickets have joined rival parties, filed nominations as independents, or explored last-minute switches as the deadline loomed.

Mhatre alleged that Patil handed her unsigned AB forms on Monday, promising to sign th...