Haryana Assembly Polls 2024: BJP faces statewide revolt following release of first candidate list in Haryana

PTC News Desk: Following the announcement of 67 candidates for the upcoming Haryana elections, the BJP is facing widespread internal rebellion. Key party members, including OBC Morcha chief Karan Dev Kamboj, Kisan Morcha chief Sukhvinder Sheoran, and Ratia MLA Laxman Napa, have resigned in protest.

Additionally, state minister Ranjit Singh has scheduled a meeting with his supporters to decide on the next steps, after previously stating his intent to contest the elections “with or without the BJP.”

Dissatisfaction Over Candidate Selections

The primary source of discontent within the party stems from the nomination of at least 10 recent entrants, including three former JJP MLAs, a former minister’s son, and Shakti Rani Sharma, wife of ex-Union minister Venod Sharma. These candidates, who joined the BJP just ahead of the elections, were chosen over long-time party loyalists, leading to frustration among key figures.

Reports indicate that senior BJP leader Shamsher Kharkhara, who was a strong contender for the Meham seat in Rohtak district, resigned after the party nominated wrestler Deepak Hooda. Similarly, prominent Dalit leader Seema Gabipur stepped down after JJP defector Anoop Dhanak was nominated for the Uklana seat.

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Former minister Bachan Singh Arya is also disillusioned by the nomination of former JJP MLA Ram Kumar Gautam from Safidon and is considering running as an Independent. Meanwhile, senior BJP leader Jai Bhagwan Sharma is challenging the renomination of state minister Subhadh Sudha in Thanesar.

The nomination of Tek Chand Sharma from Prithla has further angered sitting Independent MLA Nayan Pal Rawat, who has supported the BJP for the last five years. Rawat is now reconsidering his alliance with the party.

Accusations of Betraying Party Ideals

In his resignation letter, BJP OBC Morcha chief Karan Dev Kamboj accused the party of abandoning its core principles, founded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Kamboj criticized the BJP for rewarding “traitors” who had previously harmed the party, while sidelining loyal and dedicated workers.

“Committed workers like me are being ignored, while party hoppers who joined on the eve of the assembly elections are being handed tickets,” he wrote, leaving the door open for a potential independent candidacy.

As tensions rise, the BJP is grappling with internal divisions that could impact its electoral prospects in Haryana.

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