Independent MLAs Jump Ship to BJP, Strengthening Party’s Position After Haryana Results

In a significant development for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana, two Independent MLAs—Devender Kadyan and Rajesh Joon—joined the party a day after its impressive performance in the recent state elections. The induction ceremony took place at the residence of Union Minister and Haryana in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan, where state BJP chief Mohan Lal Badoli was also present.

Devender Kadyan, a former BJP member who ran as an Independent, secured a victory from Ganaur. In contrast, Rajesh Joon managed to defeat his BJP rival to win in Bahadurgarh. Their joining is seen as a strategic boost for the BJP, which has successfully crossed the halfway mark with 48 seats in the 90-member assembly.

Mohan Lal Badoli expressed optimism about the BJP’s future, stating that the party’s strength will be further solidified with the support of these Independents. He mentioned ongoing discussions with Savitri Jindal, India’s richest woman, who had joined the BJP in March but contested as an Independent after not receiving a party ticket. Badoli noted, “Talks are on with Ms. Jindal if she wants to rejoin the BJP fold.”

Savitri Jindal, a former Congress minister and a seasoned politician, won her seat in Hisar—a constituency she had previously captured in 2005 and 2009. Last month, she clarified her decision to contest as an Independent, asserting, “They (the people of Hisar) wanted me to contest at any cost. Doctor sahab (Dr. Kamal Gupta) is contesting from the BJP and the Congress has fielded Rara sahab (Ram Niwas Rara), so I had no choice but to contest as an Independent.”

The BJP’s recent electoral success marks its historic third consecutive victory in Haryana, positioning Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for a potential second term as the leader of the state. Sources indicate that Saini’s leadership played a pivotal role in securing the party’s win.

Despite the BJP’s success, the Congress party, which finished second, has raised concerns regarding the election process. They have alleged irregularities in the counting, refusing to accept the results of the elections.

With the inclusion of Kadyan and Joon, the BJP is poised to further consolidate its power in Haryana, and the possible return of Savitri Jindal could enhance its influence even more. As the political landscape evolves, all eyes will be on how these developments shape the governance and policies in the state moving forward.