As Gopal Kanda canvasses with both INLD, BJP, Cong’s Gokul Setia questions his loyalty

Anil Kakkar

Sirsa, Updated At : 07:53 AM Sep 28, 2024 IST

HLP candidate Gopal Kanda along with BJP’s Rohtash Jangra and other leaders while campaigning in Sirsa on Friday.

Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP) candidate from Sirsa Gopal Kanda has surprised many by displaying the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) flag in his mansion. Just a few days ago, he claimed he had no connection with the BJP and criticised both the BJP and the Congress for disappointing the people. Kanda leads the HLP, which is part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). However, the BJP has not given him any election seats in Haryana.

**INLD’s Abhay Chautala campaigns for Gopal Kanda in a Sirsa village on Thursday.**

Notably, on the last day of withdrawal of candidature, the BJP unexpectedly decided to withdraw its candidate, Rohtash Jangra, saying they wanted to avoid splitting the anti-Congress vote. This move allowed Kanda to run without opposition from the BJP.

**A BJP flag atop the gate of Kanda’s mansion.**

Gokul Setia, Congress candidate from Sirsa, questioned Kanda’s loyalty, stating that people are aware of his attempts to mislead them for votes. Setia also questioned how Kanda could seek support from the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) while openly backing the BJP. He reminded everyone that INLD leader Abhay Chautala had campaigned for Kanda in Sirsa’s villages a day ago (on Thursday).

Chautala had previously resigned from Haryana Assembly in solidarity with farmers after being criticised for ignoring the BJP’s treatment of farmers. Setia called on Chautala to rethink his position now that Kanda was displaying the BJP flag at his home.

Initially, Kanda intended to run alone, but after the INLD endorsed him, the situation changed. Following this, the BJP decided to support Kanda by withdrawing its own candidate, leading to an unusual alliance between the two parties, even though they are officially running separately.

Opposition parties, especially Congress and the Jananayak Janata Party (JJP), are taking this opportunity to highlight what they believe is a hidden alliance between Kanda and the BJP. They argue that Kanda’s inconsistent statements and the varied comments from BJP leaders give them a reason to criticise both parties.

ASKS ABHAY CHAUTALA TO RETHINK HIS POSITION

Gokul Setia, Congress candidate from Sirsa, questioned Kanda’s loyalty, stating that people were aware of his attempts to mislead them for votes.
Setia questioned how Kanda could seek support from the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) while openly backing the BJP.
He said INLD leader Abhay Chautala had campaigned for Kanda in Sirsa’s villages a day ago (on Thursday).
He asked Abhay to rethink his position as Kanda has displayed a BJP flag at his home.