In a significant political shift, BJP leader Aditya Devi Lal, the grandson of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal, joined the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) on Sunday. This development comes just weeks ahead of the October 5 Haryana Assembly elections, with Aditya being fielded from the Dabwali constituency.

The 46-year-old leader was welcomed into the INLD at a rally held in Chautala village, Sirsa district, in the presence of senior party leader Abhay Singh Chautala. Aditya’s move is seen as a blow to the BJP, as he recently resigned from his position as chairman of the Haryana Marketing Board. This switch leaves the ruling party grappling with rebel troubles in the key Sirsa district.

Family loyalties in play

Aditya Devi Lal is not the only member of the influential Devi Lal family to leave the BJP. His uncle, Ranjit Chautala, Haryana’s Energy and Jails Minister, also resigned from the party just days earlier. Before joining the INLD, Aditya sought the blessings of his uncle, former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala.

Addressing the rally, Aditya emphasised his commitment to the welfare of the people, saying, “I have always stood for the people and will continue to do so.” Abhay Singh Chautala echoed this sentiment, praising Aditya’s dedication and expressing confidence in an INLD victory in Dabwali and other constituencies in Sirsa.

Criticism of the BJP

Abhay Chautala did not hold back in his criticism of the BJP, calling its leaders “opportunists” who use people for personal gain. He exuded confidence that with Aditya as the candidate, the INLD would sweep the Dabwali seat and make significant gains in the upcoming polls.

INLD-BSP alliance for 2024 elections

The INLD has formed an alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) for the Haryana Assembly elections. BSP will contest 37 out of the 90 seats, while INLD will field candidates for the remaining constituencies. Key INLD candidates include Abhay Singh Chautala from the Ellenabad seat and his son, Arjun Chautala, from the Rania constituency.

The BJP is dealing with multiple defections after releasing its list of candidates for the upcoming elections. Aditya’s departure follows a wave of resignations, including sitting MLA Lakshman Dass Napa, former minister Bachan Singh Arya, and ex-MLA Balkaur Singh, all of whom have joined the Congress. 

The Congress is experiencing its own internal turbulence. Rajesh Joon resigned after being passed over for a ticket from the Bahadurgarh constituency. Similarly, Kapoor Singh Narwal expressed his disappointment after the party re-nominated Induraj Narwal from the Baroda segment in Sonipat.

Polling for the 90-member Haryana Assembly is set to take place on October 5, with votes being counted on October 8. 

With inputs from PTI