In a major embarrassment for the BJP in poll-bound Haryana, prominent Dalit leader Ashok Tanwar switched sides just two days ahead of the state elections and joined the Congress on Thursday, October 3.
Tanwar met Rahul Gandhi as he joined the party during a public rally in Mahendragarh district. A video shared by Congress showed Tanwar coming face to face with Rahul Gandhi on stage during the rally. The video captures an animated Rahul Gandhi shaking hands and warmly welcoming Tanwar into the party fold.
Reports suggest that Tanwar was campaigning for the BJP until 1 PM, but within just one hour, he switched his loyalties to the Congress party and was seen on the Congress stage by 2 PM. Rahul Gandhi welcomed Tanwar and shook hands with him on stage in the presence of senior Congress leaders like Bhupinder Singh Hooda and KC Venugopal.
Tanwar officially rejoined the Congress in the presence of Rahul Gandhi and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. The Congress took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the development, stating, “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.”
### Who Is Ashok Tanwar?
Ashok Tanwar is a former Member of Parliament. He had been the BJP’s candidate from Sirsa in the recent Lok Sabha elections but was defeated by Congress’ Kumari Selja.
After rejoining the Congress, Tanwar told the media, “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,” according to an IANS report.
Earlier this year, in January, Tanwar had joined the BJP in the presence of then Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
This dramatic switch just days before the Haryana assembly elections marks a significant political development, reflecting the fluidity and intensity of the ongoing electoral contests in the state.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/haryana-elections-2024-moment-when-ashok-tanwar-met-rahul-gandhi-1-hour-after-campaigning-for-bjp-video
