Former MP Ashok Tanwar Returns to Congress in Major Political Shift, Deal Blow to BJP

Former MP Ashok Tanwar Returns to Congress in Major Political Shift, Deal Blow to BJP

Saptrishi Soni:

In a significant political development, former Member of Parliament (MP) Ashok Tanwar, who recently contested the General Election from Sirsa (Reserved) on a BJP ticket, has rejoined the Congress. Tanwar made his return during a rally in Bhawania village, Haryana, where he was welcomed by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition (LoP), and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. His re-entry into the Congress marks a crucial shift in Haryana’s political landscape, particularly ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

This move deals a major blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had relied on Tanwar to bolster its presence in reserved constituencies. Tanwar, who was actively campaigning for BJP candidates in these areas, had joined the saffron party earlier this year in a high-profile ceremony in Delhi. His induction into the BJP in January was overseen by BJP national president JP Nadda and then Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, marking what seemed like a promising partnership at the time.

Tanwar’s return to Congress is seen as a homecoming of sorts, given that he originally began his political career with the party. He represented Sirsa in the Lok Sabha as a Congress MP, but left the party in 2019 after a fallout with the leadership. Since then, he has taken several political turns, including floating his own party and joining the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in 2022. Tanwar even briefly associated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC), reflecting his political journey through multiple platforms before finally rejoining the Congress.

At the rally, Rahul Gandhi expressed his confidence that Tanwar’s re-entry into Congress would strengthen the party’s chances in Haryana, especially in the reserved constituencies where Tanwar holds considerable influence. Bhupinder Singh Hooda also welcomed the decision, highlighting Tanwar’s leadership abilities and familiarity with Haryana’s political dynamics.

Political analysts suggest that Tanwar’s return to Congress is a strategic move that could potentially shift voter loyalties in key areas, especially as he enjoys considerable support in the Sirsa region. His departure from the BJP is being viewed as a major setback for the party, which had been struggling with internal dissent and criticism over its handling of issues like unemployment, farmer protests, and law and order.

Tanwar’s decision to rejoin Congress comes at a critical time, with Haryana heading towards Assembly elections. The Congress is looking to capitalize on the anti-incumbency sentiment against the BJP-led government, which has been facing backlash over various governance issues. Tanwar’s return is expected to galvanize the Congress’s campaign, particularly in reserved constituencies, where his outreach and influence are strong.

For Tanwar, this marks the latest chapter in a varied political career. Despite his unsuccessful run as a BJP candidate in the recent General Election, he remains a prominent figure in Haryana politics. His reaffiliation with Congress indicates that he believes the party offers the best platform to further his political goals and address the needs of his constituency.

As Haryana gears up for a high-stakes electoral battle, Tanwar’s return to Congress is set to intensify competition, adding another layer of complexity to the state’s political landscape. The BJP, on the other hand, will now have to reassess its strategy as it faces the loss of a key political figure in its campaign.

#AshokTanwarJoinsCongress #RahulGandhi #HaryanaPolitics #BJPSetback