Tue Sep 10 17:05:03 UTC 2024: ## BJP Loses Another Key Leader in Haryana Ahead of Elections

**Chandigarh:** In a major blow to the BJP in the run-up to Haryana assembly elections, Santosh Yadav, a vice president of the state unit and former deputy speaker, has resigned from the party, accusing it of overlooking loyalists in favor of recent additions.

Yadav, who was seeking a ticket from the Ateli Assembly seat, cited the party’s decision to field Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh’s daughter, Aarti Singh Rao, as the reason for her resignation. She criticized the BJP for prioritizing those who haven’t worked for the party over dedicated workers who have served it for years.

Yadav’s resignation follows a series of similar departures by prominent leaders, including fellow vice president GL Sharma, who joined the Congress with over 250 BJP workers on Sunday. Former Haryana minister Bachan Singh Arya also resigned after the party fielded a Jannayak Janta Party rebel instead of him.

The resignations highlight the BJP’s struggle to quell dissent within its ranks over the selection of candidates. The party has faced criticism for rewarding recent joiners while overlooking long-time members, causing discontent among loyalists.

While Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini attempted to quell the rebellion, stating that there was no scope for changing candidates and that everyone can’t get a ticket, the departures raise questions about the BJP’s chances of retaining power in Haryana. The party is facing a tough challenge from a resurgent Congress, with voting set for October 5th and counting on October 8th.

The BJP has so far declared 88 candidates, including the Chief Minister, but the exodus of key leaders could significantly impact its campaign strategy and electoral prospects.

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