Haryana’s lone Akali MLA Balkaur Singh joins JJP
Balkaur has, however, not quit as the legislator of Kalanwali seat
AMBALA: In a major set back for the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), its lone MLA from Kalanwali seat in Sirsa district, Balkaur Singh joined Dushyant Chautala’s newly floated Jannayak Janata Party on Sunday. He has, however, not resigned from seat as an MLA.
Balkaur joined the JJP at his residence in Kalanwali in the presence of party’s patron, Ajay Chautala, who is out on parole from his 10-year jail term.
Chautala presented him a JJP flag while welcoming him to the outfit’s fold. Balkaur was also associated with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
The JJP has already claimed the support of INLD’S Uklana MLA Anoop Dhanak, Dadri MLA Rajdeep Phogat, Naina Chautala. Balkaur’s joining would give the party a boost, especially in Sirsa, which is considered the traditional strong hold of INLD supremo OP Chautala.
Dushyant Chautala, who had formed the JJP on December 9, said, “Balkaur Singh has joined the party as he looks up to the principles and ideologies of Devi Lal.”
When contacted, Balkaur, 47, said he has joined the party unconditionally. Ajay Chautala said there was growing support in JJP’S favour across the state and more people would be joining the outfit in the coming days.
Balkaur’s move has come as jolt to the SAD, which has already announced that it would be contesting the Lok Sabha as well as the assembly elections in the state. When contacted, SAD’S Haryana state president Sharanjit Singh Sohta said, “Balkaur’s exit would not have any impact on the party as people keep coming and going from parties. Following his exit, we got several phone calls from workers who expressed their interest in contesting from Kalanwali on SAD ticket.”sad’s Haryana in-charge Balwinder Singh Bhunder refused to comment on the development.