Khattar's Controversial Remarks Ignite Tensions Ahead of Haryana Polls

Haryana's political landscape is once again in the spotlight as former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's recent comment at a rally in Hisar has lightened up a controversy. Khattar's anecdote, which seemed in reference to the late Bhajan Lal, the former CM and father of Kuldeep Bishnoi, has left the Bishnoi community deeply offended. 

Khattar's Contested Anecdote: Fact or Fiction?

 At an election rally in Kaimri village under the Hisar Lok Sabha constituency, Khattar narrated a story about a man from the area who had complained to a "political leader" in Chandigarh about a village patwari (accountant) taking a bribe of Rs. 100. According to Khattar, the leader mocked the man for spending more money to travel to Chandigarh than the amount of the bribe itself. While Khattar did not name the leader, it is widely believed that he was referring to the late Bhajan Lal, who was a prominent political figure in the region.

Bishnoi Community's Reaction

The Bishnoi community, which holds a significant place in Hisar and Sirsa Lok Sabha constituencies of Haryana and at least four constituencies in Rajasthan has been left deeply offended by Khattar's remarks. For the Bishnoi community, Bhajan Lal is a significant figure, second only to Guru Jambheshwar, the founder of the Bishnoi sect. Khattar's comments were seen as disrespectful towards the former Chief Minister. This has angered the community, who feel their respected leader has been treated unfairly.

Kuldeep Bishnoi Sidelining and the BJP Ticket

The controversy has further increased the tensions between Kuldeep Bishnoi and the BJP. Bishnoi, a former Hisar MP who defected to the BJP from the Congress in August 2022, was hoping for a BJP ticket from Hisar. However, the party instead decided to field state minister Ranjit Singh Chautala as its candidate. Bishnoi and his son Bhavya Bishnoi, the MLA from Adampur, have maintained a distance from Chautala's campaign. 

Potential Congress Comeback in Hisar?

The Bishnoi community is now awaiting the Congress party's announcement of its candidate for the Hisar Lok Sabha seat. There are rumours that the party might announce Chander Mohan, Kuldeep Bishnoi's brother, as its candidate. If this happens, the contest in Hisar is likely to become highly competitive, as the Bishnoi community's support could prove crucial in determining the outcome.