BJP-HJC alliance in the doldrums

HJC chief Kuldeep Bishnoi accuses BJP of reneging on its promise that the two will fight 45 seats each in State polls

The tussle between allies BJP and Haryana Janhit Congress in poll-bound Haryana on Sundayy intensified with HJC supremo Kuldeep Bishnoi accusing the BJP of “violating the coalition dharma” and “backtracking” from its promise for the “lust of power.”

Addressing his “Parivartan [change]” rally here, Mr. Bishnoi claimed that under an agreement in 2011 between the BJP and the HJC, the two parties were to fight 45 seats each and he would be the Chief Minister for the first 30 months.

“On one hand the BJP claims that it wants to go ahead with the alliance with the HJC, on the other few of its leaders for vested interests are giving different statements,” he said.

He said that people of Haryana are aware who is “backtracking” from its promise for the “lust of power” on the issue of alliance.

“I will never bow before such selfish people who are violating the dharma of coalition,” he said.

He alleged that the BJP was inducting “corrupt” Congressmen and “criminal” INLD leaders into the party fold.

Mr. Bishnoi’s stinging remarks came days after BJP chief Amit Shah asked the HJC not to remain adamant on contesting on 45 seats after its drubbing in the Lok Sabha, saying the party has to keep in mind the people’s aspirations after the changed scenario post the general elections.

He had said though the BJP was committed to alliance with the HJC, but at the same time made it clear that his party was prepared to fight on all the 90 Assembly seats if the junior partner remains adamant on old terms and conditions.

A senior party leader too had said Mr. Bishnoi would not be the chief ministerial candidate if the BJP-HJC alliance comes to power in the State.

Mr. Bishnoi claimed that he was ready to merge his party with the BJP if it succeeds in bringing water from the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal to Haryana ahead of ensuing Assembly polls by putting pressure on Punjab’s ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

“If the BJP succeeds in bringing share of river waters of Haryana in SYL before Assembly polls by exerting pressure on Punjab’s SAD, I am prepared to merge my outfit into the party,” he said.