Haryana Assembly Elections 2024: Ram Bilas Sharma Holds No Grudges Over Ticket Denial

Former Haryana BJP chief and veteran politician Ram Bilas Sharma has expressed his unwavering loyalty to the party, despite being denied a ticket for the upcoming assembly elections. The 74-year-old, who has served five terms as an MLA and held cabinet positions three times, was initially set to contest but was persuaded to back out in favour of the official party candidate, Kanvar Singh, due to a last-minute decision by the BJP.

In an interview, Sharma, often referred to as the "vat-vriksha" or "support tree" of the Haryana BJP, stated, "I have given more than five decades to the party. Vajpayee ji (former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee) always emphasized the importance of establishing the party's foundation in Haryana, and I remain committed to that mission."

Despite his loyalty, Sharma's emotional reaction to the denial of a ticket was evident when he recently appeared in front of supporters who urged him to run as an independent candidate. A video capturing his tears went viral, reflecting the deep connection he shares with his constituents. "It was natural to get emotional. I have always had their support, but I told them, 'When I die, I want to go with the BJP flag only.' I had many opportunities to switch sides over the years, but I would prefer to remain with the party now," he added.

Sharma remains optimistic about the BJP forming a government for a third consecutive term in Haryana. "I am actively campaigning in support of my fellow leaders and candidates. I am confident that the party will secure a victory," he asserted, countering speculation regarding anti-incumbency sentiments in the state.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini recently visited Sharma to clarify the situation and encourage him to participate in the campaign. Sharma was considered a potential chief ministerial candidate when the BJP first achieved a majority in the state assembly in 2014, but Manohar Lal Khattar was ultimately chosen for the role, leading to Sharma's appointment as education minister.

In the 2019 elections, Sharma lost to Congress candidate Rao Dan Singh by a margin of 9,000 votes, and Singh is also contesting in this election. Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh, who transitioned to the BJP from Congress in 2014, expressed support for Sharma, stating that the party's late announcement was unfair to a veteran politician like him. "It's the party's prerogative to decide whom to field, but it was not right to keep a veteran like him in the dark until the last minute. He deserved more respect and clear communication," Singh remarked during a rally at Sharma's residence.

With the BJP naming Nayab Saini as their chief ministerial face for the upcoming elections, both Singh and senior leader Anil Vij have indicated their intentions to claim the top post if the party secures victory. The Haryana assembly polls are scheduled for October 5, with results set to be announced on October 8.