New Delhi: In a significant political twist just two days before the elections in Haryana, prominent Dalit leader Ashok Tanwar switched allegiance from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the Indian National Congress. This unexpected move took place during a public rally in Mahendragarh on October 3, where Tanwar met Rahul Gandhi. A video shared by Congress captures the moment, showing an enthusiastic Rahul shaking hands with Tanwar, welcomed by senior leaders such as Bhupinder Singh Hooda and KC Venugopal.Tanwar, who had been actively campaigning for the BJP until noon, was seen on the Congress stage just an hour later, raising eyebrows regarding the sudden shift. Rahul Gandhi welcomed Tanwar into the Congress fold, remarking, Impressed by our struggle and dedication, a senior BJP leader and also a member of its campaign committee in Haryana joined us. Welcome back to the Congress family, best wishes for the future.कांग्रेस ने लगातार शोषितों, वंचितों के हक़ की आवाज़ उठाई है और संविधान की रक्षा के लिए पूरी ईमानदारी से लड़ाई लड़ी है।हमारे इस संघर्ष और समर्पण से प्रभावित होकर आज BJP के वरिष्ठ नेता, पूर्व सांसद, हरियाणा में BJP की कैंपेन कमेटी के सदस्य और स्टार प्रचारक श्री अशोक तंवर… pic.twitter.com/DynuJEleSE— Congress (@INCIndia) October 3, 2024Who is Ashok TanwarA former Member of Parliament, Tanwar was the BJPs candidate from Sirsa in the recent Lok Sabha elections, where he lost to Congresss Kumari Selja. After rejoining Congress, he stated, Even after quitting the Congress, I was in touch with several leaders of the party. Whatever happened in the past is history. Let bygones be bygones.Tanwar had initially joined the BJP in January, at a ceremony with then Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. His departure from the BJP poses a considerable challenge to the party in the upcoming elections.
