Former Haryana Chief Minister and current Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has sharply criticized Dushyant Chautala, the leader of the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), following Dushyant Chautala’s recent comments on alliance possibilities for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. Dushyant Chautala had declared that his party would not be aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the forthcoming polls. In response, Manohar Lal Khattar questioned the significance of Dushyant Chautala’s remarks and expressed strong confidence in the BJP’s prospects.
In a statement made on Monday, Manohar Lal Khattar dismissed Dushyant Chautala’s comments as irrelevant, questioning, “Who invited him?” He asserted that the BJP, under his leadership, is poised to secure a third consecutive term in Haryana, setting a new record for the party. Manohar Lal Khattar expressed unwavering confidence in the BJP’s victory, highlighting the party’s robust position in the upcoming assembly elections.
Dushyant Chautala’s remarks came in an interview with ANI on Sunday, where he emphasized that the JJP would not seek to renew its alliance with the BJP for the Haryana Assembly elections. He claimed that the JJP would emerge as a significant political force in the state in the near future. “I can on record assure you that I will not go with BJP again,” Dushyant Chautala stated, reflecting his party’s shift away from the BJP.
Dushyant Chautala also addressed his party’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which saw a setback for the JJP. He reframed the defeat as an opportunity rather than a crisis, suggesting that the JJP could become a pivotal player in Haryana politics. “Last time also, our party was a kingmaker… you can see the coming days as well; JJP will be the most important political party of the state,” he added.
In a related development, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also weighed in on Dushyant Chautala’s comments. Saini suggested that the Congress party is intent on undermining the JJP and urged Dushyant Chautala to remain steadfast in his political stance. “Congress wants to end JJP, that’s why I am taking Congress’ name. I would like to tell him (Dushyant Chautala) to be strong,” Saini said. He cautioned Dushyant Chautala against aligning with Congress and encouraged him to focus on securing seats in the upcoming election.
The Haryana Assembly, which comprises 90 seats, is scheduled to hold elections on October 1, with the results expected to be announced on October 4.
