Chandigarh: Haryana is witnessing a significant political shift just weeks before its assembly elections. On Thursday, 19 September, Ramit Khattar, nephew of former Haryana Chief Minister and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, officially joined the Congress. The move, which has raised eyebrows across political circles, was confirmed by the Haryana Youth Congress through social media.
Ramit Khattar was welcomed into the Congress fold by Rohtak MLA Bharat Bhushan Batra, in what many see as a strategic move by the opposition to strengthen its position ahead of the highly anticipated elections. The development is expected to impact the political landscape of Haryana, where the BJP is striving to retain power amidst growing competition from Congress and other parties.
In a statement shared on Twitter, the Haryana Youth Congress expressed their excitement over Khattar’s defection: “Manohar Lal Khattar’s nephew Ramit Khattar today joined the Congress and was warmly welcomed by the Congress party.” The timing of this political realignment, so close to the elections, is being interpreted as a setback for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
As the political temperature rises in Haryana, both major parties are gearing up for a fierce contest. The BJP, determined to hold onto its influence in the state, faces an aggressive challenge from the Congress, which is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to reclaim power. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is also vying for a share of the electoral spotlight, further intensifying the competition.
Talks of an alliance between Congress and AAP were previously on the table, particularly after their cooperation in the Lok Sabha elections. However, unresolved issues, including seat-sharing disagreements, derailed the potential partnership, and both parties are now fielding separate candidates in the upcoming race.
Polling for all 90 seats in the Haryana Assembly is set for 5 October, with the results scheduled to be announced on 8 October. This election promises to be a defining moment for the future of Haryana’s political landscape, with Ramit Khattar’s recent defection adding a fresh layer of intrigue to an already heated contest.