Left In Shambles, JJP Finds An Ally In Bhim Army Chief’s ASP

Eyeing Haryana’s Dalit vote bank, the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) has formed a pre-poll alliance with Uttar Pradesh-based Chandrashekhar Azad’s Azad Samaj Party (ASP) for the coming assembly elections in the state.

This alliance comes at a crucial time for the JJP, which has been grappling with defections and is seeking to reinforce its political standing for the October elections. During a joint press conference held in Delhi on Tuesday, the two parties announced their agreement that JJP will contest 70 seats while ASP will field candidates for 20 seats in the upcoming assembly elections.

Having played a role of the kingmaker in 2019 assembly elections by wining 10 Eyeing Haryana’s Dalit vote bank, the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) has formed a pre-poll alliance with Uttar Pradesh-based Chandrashekhar Azad’s Azad Samaj Party (ASP) for the coming assembly elections in the state.

This alliance comes at a crucial time for the JJP, which has been grappling with defections and is seeking to reinforce its political standing for the October elections. During a joint press conference held in Delhi on Tuesday, the two parties announced their agreement that JJP will contest 70 seats while ASP will field candidates for 20 seats in the upcoming assembly elections.

Having played a role of the kingmaker in 2019 assembly elections by wining 10 assembly seats, the 2024 elections assumes significance for the JJP as seven of its 10 MLAs have already parted ways, leaving the party in shambles.

In a show of solidarity, ASP’s lone elected representative and MP from Nagina of Uttar Pradesh, Chandrashekhar Azad referred to Dushyant Chautala as not just the “former Deputy Chief Minister” but also the “future Chief Minister” of Haryana.
Azad emphasized the alliance’s long-term vision, stating, “We will continue to champion the cause of farmers for the next 40-50 years. Our efforts will lay a strong foundation for Haryana’s future, enhance farmers’ incomes, and improve the education system.”
On this occasion, Dushyant Chautala launched a scathing attack on the JJP’s previous partner Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), particularly criticizing Chief Minister Nayab Saini for his inaction despite making numerous announcements. He made it clear that his party would not align with the BJP, saying, “I know how BJP breaks its allies”. He also assured voters, “If we have the numbers, we will form a government that stands against both the Congress and BJP. Our coalition aims to provide Haryana with a stable and progressive government.”

Chandrashekhar Azad echoed Chautala’s sentiments, expressing confidence that the JJP-ASP alliance would bring about significant change in Haryana. “The situation has changed and you will see the impact in Haryana,” he declared. He urged supporters to prepare for a “new revolution” in the state, adding, “When I spoke to Dushyant Chautala, I sensed his strong desire to lead Haryana forward. Together, we will fiercely advocate for farmers’ rights and usher in a new era.”

He outlined the key issues driving the alliance’s campaign, including employment for youth, relief from inflation for the poor, social justice, ending privatization, reservations in promotions, and securing Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for farmers. “We hope our alliance will win all 90 seats,” Azad confidently stated to the media.
Chandrashekhar said that despite lacking full governmental power, Dushayant Chautala had achieved much, including the establishment of a temple on five acres of land in Kurukshetra following the demolition of a Sant Ravidas temple in Delhi. Azad expressed confidence that the JJP-ASP alliance would realize the dreams of two leaders Devi Lal and Kanshi Ram by forming a complete government this time.