BJP's Zile Ram Sharma files nomination papers from Assandh as Independent candidate

The Haryana BJP continues to face revolt even after the announcement of its second list of candidates. Former Chief Parliamentary Secretary (CPS) Zile Ram Sharma has expressed his anger over ticket allocation in the Assandh segment. He has filed nomination papers as an Independent candidate following the consent of his supporters in a meeting held at Assandh grain market on Wednesday.

Sharma had won the seat on the ticket of Haryana Janhit Congress (HJC) in 2009, and lost in 2014 and 2019, consecutively, as an Independent candidate.

The party has fielded district president Yogendra Rana, which resulted in resentment among Sharma and his supporters. Sharma, who joined the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in March this year, had actively campaigned for the party’s Lok Sabha candidate Manohar Lal Khattar.

Sharma has expressed frustration over being overlooked by the BJP leadership. He was among the top contenders, alongside the BJP's official candidate and district president Yogendra Rana, and former MLA Bakshish Singh.

Upset with the decision, Sharma’s supporters removed the party’s flag and posters at his office on Tuesday evening.

“With the consent of my supporters and well-wishers, I have decided to contest as an Independent candidate. I have filed my nomination papers and will go to the people of Assandh for justice as the party has betrayed me,” said Sharma.

Highlighting the role of his team members during the Lok Sabha elections, Sharma claimed that there was opposition to Manohar Lal Khattar in Assandh, but his supporters worked hard. “Had it not been for my supporters, the BJP would have lost by 40,000 votes in Assandh,” Sharma said.