Facing the wave of anti-incumbency and jettisoned by its former ally Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), the Bharatiya Janata Party was already in choppy waters ahead of the Haryana Assembly Election 2024. But the situation worsened after the ruling party released its first list of 67 candidates. As the party replaced 40 out of 67 candidates in its first list in an attempt to blunt the anti-incumbency, rebellion broke out most of those missing the electoral bus, revolted against the party. Many of the saffron party’s Haryana unit leaders came out openly against the central leadership and resigned from the offices they held or the membership of the party.
JJP Sets Alarm Bell Ringing
Cabinet Minister Ranjit Chautala was among the first leaders to quit and set the alarm bell ringing across the state. The son of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal was furious and announced to contest the election as an independent candidate from Rania. Fuming over the insult that he faced, the 79-year-old leader said, “I am Chaudhary Devi Lal’s son. I have some stature… I have decided to contest as an Independent.”
BJP In Hot Soup
At a time when the BJP is in the hot soup over its treatment to the people of the OBC and Dalit communities, Karan Dev Kamboj, the BJP OBC Morcha Chief in Haryana Kamboj quit all posts in the BJP. A furious OBC leader said that the party had done “injustice” to workers. He was so angry that he almost warned the saffron party and said “The dream of securing a third term would remain just that, a dream.” Choosing harsh words, he said “Congress will form the government here….”
BJP Hit By Desertion
Upset over being ignored by the party, Ratia MLA resigned from the primary membership of the party and met former Congress Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and joined the Congress.
At a time when the BJP is facing the ire of farmers for not fulfilling many demands, including giving the legal guarantee for the MSP, former Kisan Morcha Chief Sukhvinder Sheoran, bade goodbye to the party. Earlier, he represented the Bawani Khera Assembly constituency.
Richest Woman Quits BJP, To Contest As Independents
The matriarch of the Jindal Group and the richest Indian woman, Savitri Jindal, too was ignored. The former minister of Haryana declared to contest from Hisar as an independent candidate. The woman with a net worth of $33 billion, switched from Congress to the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and she was expecting a BJP ticket. But the saffron party retained Health Minister Kamal Gupta instead.
Shamsher Singh Kharkhara Quits
Senior BJP leader, who unsuccessfully contested the last Assembly polls, Shamsher Singh Kharkhara also resigned after being not given a ticket.
Bachan Singh Arya Resigns
Former MLA Bachan Singh Arya also announced that he would contest from Safidon seat after the party offered this seat to JJP rebel Ram Kumar.
The BJP also replaced Haryana Sports Minister Sanjay Singh, with Tejpal Tanwar. Representing Sohna constituency, he has not resigned but will take a call after meeting with his supporters.
Kavita Jain Burst Into Tears
BJP leader Shashi Ranjan Parmar is the other leader who will meet his supporters after being denied a ticket from the Bhiwani seat. Former Cabinet Minister Kavita Jain burst into tears after being denied a ticket.
BJP Concerned Over Dalits
Former ally (JJP) not only quit the coalition, it also joined hands with the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD). Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) and the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have also joined the alliance. As 17 out of 90 Assembly seats are reserved for Dalits, the coalition is poised better. The BJP may have to take the brunt of Dalits’ ire as they are the second biggest community in Haryana with 2
