Veteran Leaders Join BJP Ahead of Haryana Assembly Polls

The Haryana Story Veteran Leaders Strengthen BJP's Arsenal

In a major boost to the BJP's election preparations in Haryana, several seasoned politicians have joined the party, including former minister Devender Babli, ex-jail superintendent Sunil Sangwan and Shri Sanjay Kablana. Babli, who recently resigned from the JJP, was welcomed into the BJP fold in Delhi by the party's state in-charge Biplab Deb. 

Babli's decision to switch sides comes after reports that the Congress had denied him a ticket. The former minister had claimed that he had helped the Congress candidate Kumari Selja win the Lok Sabha elections from Sirsa earlier this year. However, the Sarpanch Association had also opposed Babli's induction into the Congress. 

Jail Official Joins the BJP Ranks

Alongside Babli, Sunil Sangwan, who had resigned from his post as a jail superintendent, also joined the BJP. Sangwan's inclusion in the party further strengthens the BJP's ranks as it gears up for the Haryana Assembly polls.

The BJP's State President Mohan Lal Badoli confirmed that the party's candidate list for the elections is still under consideration. He stated that a lengthy list had been prepared, but the leadership is currently seeking feedback on the potential candidates before making a final decision.

PM Modi's Intervention in Candidate Selection

According to BJP sources, during the party's Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting in Delhi on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised objections to the Haryana BJP's initial candidate list. The PM reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of prominent faces in the first list, stating that it would send a message that the party's stalwarts have been sidelined.

In response to the PM's feedback, the BJP leadership in Haryana has reportedly expanded the candidate list, with around 55 names now under consideration. The party is expected to finalize the list soon and make an official announcement.

The Haryana Story's Take:

The influx of veteran leaders into the BJP's ranks, including Devender Babli and Sunil Sangwan, underscores the party's efforts to strengthen its political arsenal ahead of the crucial Haryana Assembly elections. These high-profile defections from other parties could significantly impact the electoral landscape and the dynamics within the BJP's own candidate selection process. As the party finalizes its list of candidates, the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention in the process will be crucial in shaping the BJP's electoral strategy and its ability to retain power in the state.