Former INLD MP Surender Singh Barwala joins BJP in Haryana

New Delhi, Sep 12: Former MP from Haryana and senior INLD leader Surender Singh Barwala today joined BJP, ahead of assembly elections in the state.

63-year-old Barwala was elected from Hisar Lok Sabha constituency in 1998 and 1999 as an Indian National Lok Dal candidate.

He had also been a former MLA from Narwala and was Haryana Forest and Education Minister in 1987. He hails from Jind.

Welcoming him and his supporters into the party fold, BJP general secretary J P Nadda hoped he will ensure the party's victory in coming polls in the state. Announcing an end to his 35-year-old association with INLD, Barwala said he will help in BJP come to power in the state.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said "he is a practical man who is connected to the grassroots and wants to do something for the country. We will try and strengthen BJP and the Prime Minister's hands in taking the country forward."

A municipal councillor from Gurgaon and a leader of Haryana Janhit Congress Mahesh Dayma also quit his party to join BJP.

PTI