Anil Vij: 'Made to Feel Like a Stranger' in BJP by Some Members

Former Haryana Minister Anil Vij, on Wednesday, expressed his feelings of alienation within his own party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking before a crowd in Ambala, he remarked, "Mana kuch logo ne mujhe meri party mein he begana bana diya hai, parantu kayee baar begane apno say bhi zyada kaam kar jaate hai." This statement translates to an acknowledgment that despite being made to feel like an outsider by some within his party, outsiders can sometimes accomplish more than insiders. Vij, a six-time MLA from Ambala Cantt, shared these thoughts without naming anyone specifically.

The occasion was marked by BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from Ambala, Banto Kataria, filing her nomination papers. Vij's comments came amidst speculations of his discontent with the party's leadership decisions earlier this year. Notably, he was reportedly upset over being sidelined when the party chose Nayab Singh Saini over Manohar Lal Khattar for the Chief Minister's position in March. Furthermore, Vij was excluded from Saini's cabinet and abstained from attending the swearing-in ceremony.

Despite these internal party dynamics, Vij has focused his efforts on campaigning within the Ambala Cantonment area for the Lok Sabha elections. He urged the electorate to recognize the development work he has undertaken in the region and support Banto Kataria, aiming for a significant victory margin. Banto Kataria is the widow of former Union Minister Rattan Lal Kataria, who served as the MP for Ambala until his passing last year.

In his address, Vij also criticized the INDIA bloc for lacking leadership and policy direction. He contrasted this with the alleged misconduct of the Congress party when in power, accusing them of engaging in corruption. On a positive note, he lauded the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for steering India towards progress over the past decade.

The event was also attended by Nayab Singh Saini and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, highlighting its significance within the political landscape of Haryana and beyond. Vij's remarks underscore a complex narrative of loyalty, dissent, and political strategy as the BJP gears up for electoral challenges ahead.