BJP’s Rohtash Jangra Withdraws from Sirsa Seat, Hints at Support for Gopal Kanda

GG News Bureau
Chandigarh, 16th Sept. In a surprising move, Rohtash Jangra, the ruling BJP’s candidate for the Sirsa Assembly seat, announced on Monday that he has withdrawn his nomination. Jangra said that the BJP may support incumbent MLA Gopal Kanda, who is seeking re-election and has supported the state government over the past five years.

“I have withdrawn my nomination in the interest of the state and the country,” Jangra told PTI. He emphasized that the decision was made to ensure a “Congress-mukt Haryana,” reflecting the party’s strategic interests. Jangra indicated that Kanda’s support for the BJP and his contributions to Sirsa’s development were factors in the decision.

Later, Jangra clarified that the withdrawal was based on party directives. The BJP, following this move, will now contest 89 out of 90 Assembly seats in Haryana. The Congress has reserved the Bhiwani seat for CPI(M).

The BJP’s third and final list of candidates had initially included Jangra for Sirsa. With his withdrawal, the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), which had pledged support to Kanda, is now reconsidering its position. INLD leader Abhay Chautala stated he would discuss the matter within his party before making a final decision.

The BJP is aiming for a third consecutive term in Haryana while facing strong competition from the Congress, which is leveraging anti-incumbency sentiments.

Senior BJP leader and former MP Ashok Tanwar, who was with Jangra, stressed the party’s goal of forming a government for the third time and criticized Congress for alleged foreign statements against India.

Polling for Haryana’s 90 Assembly seats is scheduled for October 5, with results expected on October 8.