Prominent Leaders Join BJP in Haryana Amid Political Shifts
Key Political Figures Transition to BJP
Today, in the presence of Haryana's Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, notable leaders including Jagmeet Singh Barad, his brother and former MLA Ripjeet Singh Barad, former OSD Charanjit Singh Barad, and former OSD Onkar Singh have officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The event also saw the attendance of Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar, Acting President Ashwini Sharma, and Vineet Joshi.
67-year-old Jagmeet Barad, along with his brother Ripjeet Singh Barad (a former MLA), Onkar Singh Sidhu (former OSD to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann), and Charanjit Singh Barad (former OSD to SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal), have made the switch to the BJP.
Jagmeet Barad's Political Journey
Jagmeet Barad severed ties with the Congress party in 2015, ending a relationship that spanned over three decades. Following his resignation, he founded his own party called Lok Hit Abhiyan in 2016. That same year, he joined the Trinamool Congress and served as the head of its state unit until 2018, when he departed from the party. In 2019, he became a member of the Shiromani Akali Dal. In December 2022, he announced his resignation from all positions within the Shiromani Akali Dal.
During the event, Chief Minister Saini, along with BJP Punjab unit President Sunil Jakhar, Acting President Ashwini Sharma, and Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, welcomed the new members into the party.
Political Climate in Punjab
In his address, Saini expressed confidence that the people of Punjab are determined to remove the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the upcoming assembly elections. He stated, "All sections of society are dissatisfied with this government. The BJP will form the next government in Punjab; the people have made up their minds."
Saini criticized the Bhagwant Mann government, claiming that there is a prevailing atmosphere of fear among the public, including business owners. He noted that families are concerned for their safety when stepping outside their homes. He asserted that only the BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, can lead Punjab forward.
Referencing Haryana, he highlighted various welfare initiatives taken by the BJP government for farmers and other groups, contrasting them with the unfulfilled promises of the AAP and Congress. He remarked that the people of Punjab have witnessed the failures of Congress during its rule and that the AAP has followed a similar path. Jakhar also criticized the AAP government, stating that no one in Punjab feels secure and that the public is looking towards the BJP for strong leadership.