Haryana Elections: BJP Hit by Internal Rebellion Over Ticket Distribution

A day after the ruling BJP released its initial list of 67 candidates for the October 5 Haryana assembly elections, the party faced internal dissent. Energy and Jails Minister Ranjit Singh Chautala and MLA Lakshman Dass Napa, who were denied tickets, resigned from the party. Chautala, 79, son of former deputy prime minister Devi Lal, decided to run as an Independent after consulting his supporters.

Napa also left the party following his exclusion from the candidate list. Former minister Karan Dev Kamboj stepped down as state BJP's OBC Morcha chief after his candidacy was overlooked. Minister of State for Social Justice Bishamber Singh, representing Bawani Khera reserve seat, was visibly upset when the party chose Kapur Valmiki over him. Despite his disappointment, Bishamber stated he would remain with the BJP.

Rebellion and Resignations

The BJP's troubles began soon after announcing its candidates. Several prominent leaders expressed dissatisfaction and resigned. Napa met former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda in Delhi and later joined the Congress with his supporters. Hooda remarked, "Napa and those who joined our party with him have taken the right decision at the right time."

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini attempted to downplay these events, stating, "No one has left the party... Karan Dev Kamboj and Lakshman Napa are our senior leaders... we will make them understand." However, former Haryana minister Savitri Jindal announced she would contest from Hisar as an Independent despite joining BJP in March.

Ranjit Chautala held a meeting with his supporters after being denied a ticket from Rania in Sirsa district. He said, "I took the decision after consulting my supporters." Chautala added that he had good relations with the BJP but was unsure why they acted against him. He declared his intention to run as an Independent and resigned from his ministerial position.

Discontent Among Leaders

Napa, MLA from Ratia reserve constituency, expressed confusion over why he was denied re-nomination despite his dedication to development works in his area. Former minister Karan Dev Kamboj also resigned from all his positions within the BJP after being excluded from the candidate list.

Senior Congress leader Kumari Selja commented on the situation, saying, "After 10 years of being in power, such is the situation of BJP...their leaders are leaving them. BJP has accepted defeat." JJP leader Dushyant Chautala echoed similar sentiments, stating that BJP's defeat was inevitable.

Several sitting BJP legislators did not appear in the first list of candidates. Sanjay Singh, MLA from Sohna, claimed that the party had treated him unfairly. Former Haryana minister Savitri Jindal reiterated her decision to contest from Hisar independently if necessary.

Internal Struggles Continue

Kavita Jain, another ticket hopeful from Sonipat, expressed her disappointment after Nikhil Madan was chosen over her. Addressing her supporters in Sonipat, she broke into tears and emphasized her dedication to the party.

In its first list released on Wednesday, the BJP fielded Chief Minister Saini from Ladwa instead of Karnal and rewarded several new entrants with poll tickets. This move has led to significant unrest within the party ranks.

The recent developments indicate a turbulent phase for BJP ahead of the Haryana assembly polls. The internal dissent and resignations could impact their performance in the upcoming elections.