In a significant political shift ahead of the Haryana Assembly Elections, Aditya Chautala, grandson of former Chief Minister Devi Lal, has left the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and joined the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD). The INLD has announced Aditya as its candidate for the Dabwali constituency.
Aditya Chautala expressed disappointment with the BJP, stating he had worked for the party for a decade but felt sidelined. “Despite my efforts for the people and the party, I was left off the ticket list,” Aditya said, adding that attempts were made to “derail” his political career. He noted that he had campaigned door-to-door across 32 villages in Dabwali, but felt betrayed by the BJP’s decision.
He also stated that after consulting with his constituents, he decided to join the INLD and file his nomination for the Dabwali seat, declaring his confidence in winning both his seat and others in Sirsa district.
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Aditya’s departure follows the resignation of other prominent BJP leaders, including former Haryana minister Bachan Singh Arya and Ranjit Singh Chautala, who also left after being denied tickets. Ranjit Chautala plans to contest independently from the Rania constituency.
The BJP recently released its first list of 67 candidates for the 90-member assembly, including Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who will contest from Ladwa. Other key candidates include Gian Chand Gupta from Panchkula and Sunita Duggal from Ratia.
Haryana will hold assembly elections on October 5, with results to be announced on October 8. In the 2019 elections, the BJP won 40 seats, emerging as the single largest party, while Congress secured 30 seats.