BJP’s Vikram Kadian, Gayatri Devi join Congress in Rohtak

The Congress got a shot in the arm as senior BJP leader and former MLA from Beri (Jhajjar), Om Prakash Kadian, his son Vikram Kadian and Gayatri Devi from Hansi (Hisar) - joined it in the presence of former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda in Rohtak on Monday.

Beri MLA and former Deputy Speaker Dr Raghuvir Singh Kadian and Rohtak MLA Bharat Bhushan Batra were also present on the occasion.

Vikram, former BJP Jhajjar district president, and Gayatri Devi, General Secretary, State BJP women Cell, had resigned from the post and primary membership of the BJP after the announcement of BJP candidate from Beri and Hansi assembly constituencies.

Vikram was the front-runner for the BJP ticket from Beri constituency in Jhajjar. He had unsuccessfully contested two previous elections on the BJP ticket. Confident about getting the party ticket, Vikram had also kicked off his election campaign but had suffered a setback on being denied the ticket. He also had a meeting with his supporters in Beri yesterday to decide the next course of action.

The BJP has fielded Sanjay Kablana from Beri this time. Kablana unsuccessfully contested two previous elections from neighbouring Badli Assembly constituency.

Speaking on the occasion, both leaders said they would work to bring the Congress back to power in the state.

“The BJP has worked to disrespect all electors of Beri constituency by pitting an outsider from there. All workers are disappointed and frustrated by this move, hence I have joined the Congress for the betterment of my constituency and the state,” said Vikram, claiming that the BJP would face an embarrassing defeat in Beri.

Gayatri said the BJP had ignored the party workers while allotting the ticket for Hansi. It forced her to quit the party. “I had worked in the BJP for 14 years with full honesty and dedication. Now, I feel good after joining the Congress. I will work hard with the same dedication to ensure the Congress candidates’ victory in the assembly elections with a thumping majority,” she added.

Meanwhile, Hooda said both leaders are hardworking and they would be given due respect in the Congress. “The fact that so many leaders are joining the Congress is a clear indication that the Congress is going to form the government in the state,” he added.