TNFHaryana’s Power Minister Ranjit Singh Chautala has reiterated his commitment to contest the upcoming Rania Assembly election, stating he will run either under the BJP banner or as an independent if necessary. This declaration follows increasing tensions with the BJP and sharp criticism from Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP) leader Gopal Kanda.
Chautala, who previously served as MLA for Rania, has been pressing the BJP for a ticket. During a press conference in Kalanwali on Tuesday, he confirmed that he is prepared to run independently if the BJP does not grant him a ticket. His determination was evident during a major meeting in Rania on Monday, where he underscored his resolve to win the Rania seat regardless of the BJP’s stance.
The BJP’s hesitation has been a point of contention for Chautala. He expressed frustration over recent party developments, including BJP leaders’ discussions with Gopal Kanda regarding a potential alliance with Kanda’s Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP). Despite these tensions, Chautala emphasized his loyalty to the BJP, reflecting on past support from the party, including a last-minute Lok Sabha ticket.
Speculation about Chautala potentially joining Congress or aligning with former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has surfaced. While Chautala acknowledged the ever-changing nature of politics, he remained focused on his goal to contest and win the Rania seat. He affirmed his commitment to the BJP but made it clear that he would proceed with his candidacy regardless of the party’s decision.
In response, Gopal Kanda criticized Chautala’s claims of widespread support across Haryana’s 90 constituencies. In a video posted on social media, Kanda dismissed Chautala’s influence, suggesting that he would struggle to even save his deposit in the Rania election. Kanda challenged Chautala to prove any allegations of false CLU (Change of Land Use) approvals, offering to transfer any such approvals to Chautala’s name if he could substantiate his claims.
Kanda also highlighted Chautala’s past electoral losses, including a defeat in Hisar, and accused him of blaming others for his failures. Kanda described Chautala’s threat to leave the BJP as typical and advised him to focus on his own future rather than making predictions about others.
Regarding seat-sharing negotiations, Kanda confirmed that HLP is in discussions with the BJP, with final decisions on candidates yet to be made. He also emphasized that his family has consistently supported the people of Sirsa, contrasting this with Chautala’s perceived instability.
Earlier in the day, Chautala visited Congress leader Keshav Goyal in Kalanwali to offer condolences on the death of Goyal’s sister, Kanta Devi.
As the Rania Assembly election approaches, the political landscape remains dynamic, with Chautala’s firm stance, the BJP’s internal disagreements, and Kanda’s criticisms shaping the evolving narrative.
