In a significant blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just before the Haryana Assembly elections, party leader Ashok Tanwar has officially rejoined the Congress. The announcement was made on Thursday, marking a dramatic shift in the political landscape.
Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda welcomed Tanwar back into the Congress fold by presenting him with the party’s stole, alongside Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Earlier that day, Tanwar had participated in a BJP rally at 1:45 PM and even tweeted about it, but he later took part in a Congress event, culminating in his formal rejoining of the party.
The Congress party announced Tanwar’s return on social media, stating, “Congress has consistently raised its voice for the rights of the oppressed and marginalized, and has fought earnestly to protect the Constitution. Inspired by our commitment and dedication, senior BJP leader and former MP Ashok Tanwar has joined Congress. Welcome back to the Congress family, and best wishes for the future.”
As Gandhi concluded his speech, the audience was asked to wait for a special announcement. Moments later, Tanwar walked onto the stage, and it was proclaimed, “aaj unki ghar wapsi ho gayi hai” (today, he has returned to the Congress fold).
Tanwar, who had previously left the Congress in 2019 due to differences with Hooda, joined the BJP earlier this year. His return comes just hours before the campaigning for the October 5 Haryana Assembly polls is set to end at 6 PM. As a prominent Dalit leader, Tanwar’s rejoining is anticipated to bolster the Congress party’s efforts to reclaim power from the BJP after a decade of governance.
