Darshan Lal Khera quits BSP, backs BJP in Yamunanagar-Jagadhri polls

In a major shift ahead of the Yamunanagar-Jagadhri Municipal Corporation elections, Darshan Lal Khera, a senior BSP leader and former chairman of the Municipal Council, Jagadhri, has parted ways with the party, citing neglect by the leadership.

Khera, who contested the 2024 Assembly elections from the Jagadhri constituency on a BSP ticket, alleged that he had been sidelined post-elections and excluded from key party meetings. “After the Assembly elections, the BSP leadership started ignoring me. I was not even invited to party meetings. Feeling neglected, I decided to leave the party,” Khera said.

Though Khera has not officially joined another political party, he has thrown his support behind the BJP’s mayoral candidate, Suman Bahamani, and all BJP-backed councillor candidates in the upcoming civic body elections. “I have not joined BJP, but I am supporting its mayoral candidate and councillors in this election. I will soon hold a meeting with my supporters to decide whether to join the BJP or consider other parties,” Khera added.

In response, the BSP acted swiftly, expelling Khera from the party. A letter issued by Rahul Kumar, the district president of the BSP, on February 24, confirmed his removal. “The BSP gave Darshan Lal Khera an opportunity to contest for the post of MLA and extended him respect within the party. However, his loyalty always seemed to lie elsewhere. Following the state high command’s directive, his primary membership has been cancelled,” the letter stated.

Known for his political influence in Jagadhri, Khera’s exit is seen as a significant blow to the BSP's local presence, especially during an active election season. Political observers believe his support could offer a boost to BJP’s chances in the civic polls.