In a significant political shift ahead of the upcoming Haryana assembly elections, senior Congress leader Kiran Choudhry and her daughter Shruti Choudhry have resigned from the Congress party. Their departure ends a long-standing association with the Congress, reflecting deep dissatisfaction with the party’s internal dynamics. Both leaders have joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, marking a notable realignment in the state’s political landscape. This move is expected to boost the BJP’s prospects in Haryana, given the Choudhrys’ influence and following in the region, thereby reshaping the pre-election scenario.
Assembly Elections in October
Haryana is gearing up for its assembly elections scheduled for October. The timing of the Choudhrys’ move significantly impacts the pre-election dynamics. Their defection is expected to enhance the ruling party’s strength, potentially altering the political balance in the state ahead of the polls.
End of a Four-Decade-Long Association
Kiran Choudhry, who has been a dedicated member of the Congress party for forty years, announced her resignation along with her daughter Shruti Choudhry, through media. This marks the end of a significant era for both women in the Congress party. Shruti Choudhry, who has served as a Member of Parliament and was the working president of the Haryana Congress unit. Their decision to join the BJP is seen as a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Haryana assembly elections, potentially shifting the political balance in the state.
Potential Impact on BJP’s Prospects
Their induction is expected to significantly bolster the BJP’s prospects in Haryana, with just months remaining before the polls. Kiran Choudhry, currently serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), is the daughter-in-law of former Haryana Chief Minister Bansi Lal. She has been a prominent figure.
Resignation Letters and Criticisms
In their resignation letters addressed to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, both Kiran and Shruti Choudhry criticized the current state of the Haryana Congress. Kiran Choudhry, aged 69, expressed her frustration, stating that the party in Haryana is being run as a “personal fiefdom.” Shruti Choudhry’s letter echoed this sentiment, alleging that the state unit is controlled by one individual who has compromised the party’s interests for “selfish” and “petty interests.”
Kiran Choudhry’s Statement
In her letter, Kiran Choudhry elaborated on her grievances, mentioning the systematic efforts to stifle, humiliate, and conspire against sincere voices within the party. She felt that these actions significantly hampered her efforts to represent her constituents and uphold her values. Kiran also expressed disappointment over the party’s denial of an electoral ticket to Shruti from the Bhiwani-Mahendragarh constituency in the recent Lok Sabha elections. She remarked on the limits of the humiliation she could endure, despite her unwavering dedication to the Congress over the past forty years.
Shruti Choudhry’s Standpoint
Shruti Choudhry, in her resignation letter, described the Congress in Haryana as being centered around one person, to the detriment of the party’s broader interests. She conveyed her decision to move on in order to better serve her people and maintain her principles. This move, according to Shruti, is essential for her to continue upholding the interests and values she has always stood for.
Conclusion
The departure of Kiran and Shruti Choudhry from the Congress and their impending entry into the BJP signifies a pivotal moment in Haryana’s political scenario. As the state gears up for its assembly elections, the impact of their decision on the political balance will be closely watched. Their criticism of the current Congress leadership and their reasons for joining the BJP highlight the internal challenges faced by the Congress in Haryana. The upcoming months will reveal how this realignment influences the electoral outcomes and the overall political landscape of the state.
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