BJP Announces Second List for Haryana Assembly Polls: Major Shakeups and New Faces

The BJP released its second list of candidates for the Haryana Assembly elections, making notable changes by denying tickets to several incumbents, including ministers. This list includes 21 candidates and introduces new nominees for various seats. Internal party opposition has influenced some candidate selections, highlighting the complexity of the upcoming elections.

In a significant move, the BJP on Tuesday unveiled a second list of candidates for the Haryana Assembly elections, shaking up established norms by denying tickets to two sitting ministers. The list, announced by BJP national general secretary Arun Singh, introduces 21 new candidates and brings notable changes, including a new nominee for the Pehowa seat.

The changes came as a surprise, with the BJP replacing its previous Pehowa nominee, Kamaljeet Singh Ajrana, with Jai Bhagwan Sharma in response to internal opposition. Minister Banwari Lal and School Education Minister Seema Trikha were among those denied tickets, replaced by Krishna Kumar and Dhanesh Adlakha, respectively.

Despite internal challenges and opposition, the BJP is pushing forward with fresh faces, like Harinder Singh Ramrattan for the Hodal segment and Devender Kaushik for the Ganaur seat. The party aims for a third term in office but faces stiff competition from a resurgent Congress capitalizing on anti-incumbency sentiments.

(With inputs from agencies.)