Haryana Polls: BJP Sacks Rebel Contesting Against CM Nayab Singh Saini, 7 Others

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled eight leaders, including two former ministers, for contesting the Haryana Assembly elections as Independents. This decision, announced on September 29, affects those running against party candidates in the October 5 elections. Among them is Ranjit Chautala, who left his ministerial post after being denied a ticket.

Chautala had previously represented Rania as an independent MLA before joining the BJP. He resigned from the Assembly to join the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year but lost in Hisar. His expulsion comes as he contests independently after not receiving a BJP ticket for Rania.

BJP's Expulsion Decision

State party chief Mohan Lal Badoli confirmed that these leaders have been expelled for six years. The list includes Sandeep Garg, who is challenging Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini from Ladwa. Other expelled leaders are Zile Ram Sharma from Assandh, Devender Kadyan from Ganaur, and Bachan Singh Arya from Safido.

Additionally, Radha Ahlawat from Meham, Naveen Goyal from Gurgaon, and Kehar Singh Rawat from Hathin have also been expelled. The BJP's decision aims to maintain party discipline and unity ahead of the crucial state elections.

Congress Faces Similar Challenges

The Haryana Congress has also faced internal challenges with 13 leaders expelled for "anti-party activities." These individuals chose to run as independents after being denied tickets. Both parties have experienced discontent among members over ticket allocations but have managed to appease most dissenters.

The upcoming Haryana Assembly elections will see 90 seats contested on October 5, with vote counting scheduled for October 8. The BJP is aiming for a third consecutive term in power in the state amidst these internal challenges.

As both major parties deal with internal strife over candidate selections, they continue efforts to consolidate support and ensure electoral success in Haryana's political landscape.