BJP Faces Internal Dissent in Haryana Over Election Ticket Distribution

Amid growing tensions within the BJP in Haryana over ticket distribution for the upcoming polls, party leader Karan Dev Kamboj suggested that the unrest could have been avoided if Chief Minister Nayab Saini had more influence in the allocation process. This statement comes as several senior leaders express dissatisfaction with the party's decisions.

Senior Leaders' Discontent

Ram Bilas Sharma, a senior leader from south Haryana, filed his nomination papers from Mahendragarh just hours before the BJP denied him a ticket. Sharma, a former minister, took this step even though the party had not yet announced its candidate for the seat. Union minister and Gurugram MP Rao Inderjit Singh supported Sharma, stating that he deserved a ticket for his dedication to the party.

The BJP later announced Kanwar Singh Yadav as its candidate for Mahendragarh. Sharma, a prominent Brahmin face of the party and former minister in the Khattar government from 2014-2019, lost the 2019 assembly polls. He also served as the BJP's Haryana unit president.

Rebellion and Resignations

Kehar Singh Rawat, a former MLA from Hathin segment, quit the BJP after being denied a ticket. Zile Ram Sharma, another leader upset over not getting a ticket from Assandh, also expressed his displeasure. This follows Union minister Rao Inderjit's assertion that people want him to become chief minister.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had previously announced that elections would be fought under Saini's leadership. However, Kamboj claimed that many deserving leaders were ignored in favour of new entrants and turncoats. He stepped down as the state unit's OBC Morcha chief after being denied a ticket but has not resigned from primary membership.

Party Dynamics and Public Sentiment

Rao Inderjit Singh criticised the state machinery for failing to manage garbage and sewer issues in Gurugram. Addressing a gathering in support of BJP's Gurugram candidate Mukesh Sharma, he said, "You will be told I was not able to get Gurgaon cleaned, its sewers cleaned."

The BJP released a second list of 21 candidates for the Haryana Assembly polls on Tuesday, denying tickets to two ministers and replacing its nominee for the Pehowa seat. The ruling party also denied tickets to sitting MLAs from Ganaur, Pataudi, Hathin, and Hodal seats.

Internal Struggles

Minister of State for Social Justice Bishamber Singh was emotional after losing his ticket for Bawani Khera reserve seat to Kapur Valmiki. Former minister Kavita Jain also broke down after not receiving a ticket from Sonipat. The BJP faced rebellion on several seats following its first list of candidates announced on September 4.

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar acknowledged that there might be multiple claimants for a single seat, leading to some resentment when an aspirant does not get a ticket. "We have pacified many people and will speak to the remaining in a day or two," Khattar said.

The BJP aims for a third consecutive win in the assembly polls but faces stiff competition from a resurgent Congress capitalising on anti-incumbency sentiments. The counting of votes is scheduled for October 8.

Despite internal conflicts and resignations, the BJP remains focused on securing victory in Haryana's assembly elections. The party's leadership continues to address grievances while preparing for a tough electoral battle against Congress.