TNFSirsa/ Anil Kakkar
Haryana’s political arena is buzzing with activity as the state heads towards its assembly elections. The spotlight is on Gopal Kanda, a prominent businessman and former politician, whose candidacy for the Sirsa constituency has ignited a storm of controversy. Known for his connections to the air hostess Geetika Sharma suicide case, Kanda’s political maneuverings are now at the heart of a fierce debate involving major political players and allegations of electoral malpractices.
BJP Withdraws Candidate, Supports Kanda
On the final day for candidate withdrawals, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made a surprising move by withdrawing its candidate for Sirsa, Rohtash Jangra. The decision, announced on Monday, was purportedly made to support Gopal Kanda of the Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP). This move has stirred a significant backlash within the BJP ranks.
Rohtash Jangra, upon withdrawing his nomination, stated that his action was in compliance with the party’s directives. “We will work together to defeat Congress,” he said, reflecting a sense of party loyalty despite the abrupt change in plans. His withdrawal was intended to consolidate support behind Kanda, who has previously been linked to the BJP through his political activities.
Allegations and Counterclaims
The decision to support Kanda has not gone uncontested. Indian National Lokdal (INLD) has voiced strong objections, alleging irregularities in the election symbol allotment process. INLD leader Abhay Chautala has demanded that the election for the Sirsa seat be canceled, citing the early allotment of symbols as a violation of electoral norms. Chautala has suggested that if Kanda indeed received support from the BJP, it could jeopardize the existing alliance between INLD, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and HLP.
Kanda, however, has firmly denied any formal support from the BJP. In a press conference, he reaffirmed his commitment to the INLD-BSP alliance, asserting that his party’s focus remains on defeating Congress and securing political dominance in Sirsa. Kanda criticized the Congress party for alleged disrespect towards Dalit women and pledged to address issues such as drug abuse and unemployment in the region.
BJP’s Internal Dissent
The BJP’s decision to withdraw its candidate and potentially support Kanda has also sparked internal dissent within the party. Aman Chopra, a former district general secretary of the BJP, has publicly criticized the move. Using social media to express his frustration, Chopra posted a video with a poetic lamentation about betrayal and internal conflicts. His message, which hinted at disillusionment with the party’s decision, underscores the dissatisfaction among some BJP members regarding the support for Kanda.
Kanda’s Political History and Controversies
Gopal Kanda’s political career has been marked by both success and controversy. Initially gaining prominence in the early 2000s through real estate ventures in Gurugram, Kanda’s rise was closely tied to his connections with the INLD and later with the Congress party. His fortunes took a dramatic turn with his involvement in the Geetika Sharma suicide case.
In 2012, Geetika Sharma, a 23-year-old air hostess, took her own life, leaving behind a suicide note accusing Kanda and his company, MDLR, of being responsible for her plight. The case led to Kanda’s resignation as a minister and his arrest. He spent 18 months in Tihar Jail before being acquitted last year. Despite this tumultuous past, Kanda has remained a significant political figure, leveraging his influence and connections to maintain a foothold in Haryana’s political landscape.
The Election Landscape in Sirsa
As the state gears up for elections on October 5, the Sirsa constituency has become a focal point of political activity. Gopal Kanda’s main competitor in this region is Congress candidate Gokul Setia. Setia, a former legislator and the grandson of five-time MLA Lakshman Das Arora, is expected to provide a formidable challenge. In the 2019 elections, Setia narrowly lost to Kanda, making the upcoming election a highly anticipated and closely watched contest.
Kanda has expressed confidence in his alliance’s ability to secure victory. He has emphasized that the HLP-INLD-BSP alliance is strong and unbreakable, despite the rumors and speculations circulating about potential BJP support. Kanda’s campaign is focused on addressing local issues and countering the Congress party’s efforts in the region.
Strategic Alliances and Political Calculations
Kanda’s political strategy has involved forming alliances to strengthen his position. The alliance with INLD and BSP reflects his attempt to consolidate political support against Congress and other rivals. The INLD-BSP alliance, coupled with Kanda’s efforts to position himself as a key player in Haryana politics, highlights the shifting dynamics in the state’s electoral landscape.
The BJP’s earlier offer to Kanda to join the party and contest under the BJP symbol was a strategic move aimed at gaining an edge in the Sirsa constituency. However, Kanda’s refusal to merge his Haryana Lokhit Party with the BJP and his insistence on maintaining his current alliances have led to a complex political scenario.
Upcoming Election and Its Implications
With voting set for October 5 and results expected on October 8, the election in Sirsa is poised to be a significant indicator of political trends in Haryana. The involvement of Gopal Kanda, with his controversial past and current political maneuvers, adds a layer of intrigue to the election.
As the campaign unfolds, the various controversies and allegations surrounding Kanda’s candidacy will likely continue to shape the narrative. The internal dissent within the BJP, the demands for election cancellation by the INLD, and Kanda’s public statements all contribute to a dynamic and unpredictable electoral environment.
In conclusion, the Sirsa constituency is not just a battleground for political parties but also a reflection of the broader shifts and tensions within Haryana’s political landscape. As candidates prepare for the final stretch of the campaign, the developments in Sirsa will be closely watched for their implications on the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana.
