Ashok Tanwar's Political U-turn: Rejoining Congress Boosts Campaign

In a surprising political move, Ashok Tanwar rejoined Congress during a rally by Rahul Gandhi in Mahendragarh, Haryana. Tanwar, a senior Dalit leader and former BJP member, returned to Congress just ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections, igniting hopes for the party to regain control in the state.

In a significant political development, former BJP member and senior leader Ashok Tanwar rejoined the Congress party during a rally held by Rahul Gandhi in Mahendragarh, Haryana. His return comes merely two days before the state Assembly elections, providing Congress with a strategic advantage as it looks to reclaim power after a decade.

As Rahul Gandhi concluded his speech, Tanwar, who briefly had alliances with AAP and Trinamool Congress, walked onstage, marking his political 'ghar wapasi' (homecoming). The Dalit leader, a former Haryana Congress president, was notably welcomed back by ex-chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, despite past differences.

Having campaigned for a BJP candidate until shortly before his defection, Tanwar's shift underscores ongoing tensions in Haryana's political landscape. His return is seen as a rallying point for Congress, which aims to counter the BJP's persistent critique of its treatment of Tanwar, hoping to galvanize support among the Dalit community.

(With inputs from agencies.)