Over 50 Congress Leaders Join BJP in Karnal Before Municipal Elections

Former Minority Commission Chairman Trilochan Singh and several key Congress figures switch to BJP, causing political upheaval as mayoral candidate Manoj Wadhwa faces setback ahead of crucial Karnal Municipal Corporation polls

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini with Trilochan Singh

February 19, 2025

The political landscape of Karnal witnessed a dramatic change as over 50 Congress leaders officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and state BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli. Among the prominent leaders who switched sides were Trilochan Singh, former Haryana Minority Commission chairperson, Ashok Khurana, former Congress district president (Urban), and Balwinder Kalra, former chairperson of Karnal Municipal Corporation.

Congress Candidate Selection Led to the Shift

The primary reason behind this significant shift appears to be the Congress party's decision to nominate former Deputy Mayor Manoj Wadhwa as their mayoral candidate. This choice led to dissatisfaction among party leaders, eventually leading to their departure. Despite attempts by Wadhwa and other Congress leaders to convince the departing members to stay, the leaders remained firm in their decision to join the BJP.

BJP Welcomes New Members

Chief Minister Saini welcomed the new members, expressing confidence that their inclusion would strengthen BJP mayoral candidate Renu Bala Gupta's chances of victory. However, the switch didn't occur without controversy. Congress leaders accused the BJP of using tactics to facilitate these defections, with Wadhwa specifically calling out Trilochan Singh's switch as a "backstab." Trilochan Singh contested elections against Manohar Lal Khattar and later Nayab Singh Saini in Karnal.

Chief Minister Discussed Illegal Immigration

During the event, CM Saini also addressed several other important matters, including illegal immigration. He urged young people to avoid unsafe routes to foreign countries and highlighted the state government's efforts to facilitate legal migration through a dedicated department. The Chief Minister also dismissed allegations about the use of prisoner transport buses for deported youth and discussed the possibility of welcoming back former BJP leaders who had left the party.