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New Delhi: Today, Former MP from Haryana, Ashok Tanwar, who quit the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) two days ago over the party’s ‘alignment’ with Congress, is likely to join the BJP as the ruling party looks to broaden its support base in the state with the induction of the Dalit leader on Saturday in Delhi.
According to sources, in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Haryana BJP chief Nayab Singh Saini, Tanwar will join the saffron party at 1 pm at the party headquarters in Delhi.
He resigned from AAP on Thursday, protesting its likely alliance with the Congress for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In a letter to AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, he wrote, “In view of the current political scenario and your alignment with the Indian National Congress, my ethics won’t allow me to continue as chairman, Election Campaign Committee, Aam Aadmi Party Haryana.” “Therefore, kindly accept my resignation from primary membership and all other responsibilities of the Aam Aadmi Party.”
He further said that he would continue to work for the betterment of the state of Haryana, “Bharat” and its people. He added,“As a responsible citizen of this country and being into active politics since my student days, I have always believed in our Constitution, the country and its people first.”
The BJP is hopeful that Tanwar’s joining will boost its efforts to consolidate its votes in the state where Jats are the most populous caste and are seen to be leaning towards the Congress in most parts. Tanwar’s resignation came as another setback to the AAP in Haryana as two of its senior leaders, former minister Nirmal Singh and state unit vice-president Chitra Sarwara, quit the outfit last month.
Before joining AAP, Tanwar was briefly with the Trinamool Congress. Assembly polls are also due in the state later this year. The BJP has been in power in Haryana since 2014, with Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar at the helm throughout the entire period.
