Former Leaders Expelled from BJP Ahead of Haryana Assembly Elections
On Sunday, the Haryana Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced the expulsion of former minister Ranjit Singh Chautala and seven other leaders for a period of six years. This decision comes as these leaders have chosen to contest the upcoming assembly elections on October 5 as independent candidates, opposing the party’s official nominees. The expulsion was confirmed by BJP’s state chief, Mohan Lal Badoli, with immediate effect.
Details of the Expulsion
Apart from Ranjit Singh Chautala, the expelled leaders include:
- Sandeep Garg (Ladwa)
- Jile Ram Sharma (Assandh)
- Devendra Kadian (Ganaur)
- Bachan Singh Arya (Safidon)
- Radha Ahlawat (Meham)
- Naveen Goyal (Gurugram)
- Kehar Singh Rawat (Hathin)
This wave of dismissals sparked significant discussion among political circles, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the party regarding nomination processes and candidate selections.
Chautala’s Departure from BJP
The decision by Chautala to leave the BJP stems from dissatisfaction over not receiving an election ticket for the Rania constituency, a seat he previously held as an independent MLA. This frustration echoes a wider sentiment among several party members who were overlooked for candidacy in the upcoming elections. Chautala had previously resigned from the Assembly before joining the BJP and contested the Lok Sabha elections from Hisar, although he was unsuccessful.
Congress Follows Suit
In a similar fashion, the Congress party also expelled 13 members for “anti-party activities,” specifically for their decisions to run as independent candidates against the party’s interests. Both major parties are contending with the fallout from rising dissent among their ranks as elections approach.
Key Election Information
The Haryana Assembly elections are set to take place on October 5, with the counting of votes scheduled for October 8. The BJP is aiming to secure a third consecutive term in the state, while Congress is struggling to maintain unity and respond to internal challenges. The political landscape remains fluid, with several other leaders across both parties expressing discontent regarding the candidacy process.
Tensions among Party Leaders
As both the BJP and Congress navigate through their electoral strategies, discontent among party leaders highlights the challenges faced by established political entities in managing internal dissent. While many leaders were temporarily calmed by party leadership assurances, the real test will be how these dynamics play out during the elections.
