Haryana BJP Faces Rebellion as Key Leaders Quit Over Ticket Denial

GG News Bureau
Chandigarh, 5th Sept. The ruling BJP in Haryana is facing internal dissent just a day after releasing its first list of 67 candidates for the upcoming October 5 Assembly elections. Energy and Jails Minister Ranjit Singh Chautala and MLA Lakshman Dass Napa, both denied tickets, have quit the party.

Ranjit Chautala, son of former deputy prime minister Devi Lal, announced his decision to contest as an Independent following a meeting with his supporters. He was hoping to secure the BJP ticket for the Rania constituency in Sirsa district but was overlooked in favor of Shishpal Kamboj. Chautala expressed disappointment, claiming that poor advice to the party leadership had caused internal damage.

MLA Lakshman Dass Napa, who represented the Ratia reserve constituency, also quit the BJP and met with former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, confirming his intention to join the Congress along with his supporters. Napa said he had served his constituency diligently and was uncertain why his candidacy was denied.

In addition, former minister Karan Dev Kamboj resigned as state president of BJP’s OBC Morcha, criticizing the party’s preference for newcomers over long-serving members. Several other sitting legislators, including ministers Sanjay Singh and former minister Sandeep Singh, were also left out of the candidate list, further fueling discontent within the party.

The BJP is aiming for a third consecutive term in Haryana but faces stiff competition from the resurgent Congress, which hopes to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiments. The election results will be declared on October 8.