Khattar steps in for damage control amid rebellion in Karnal, ex-Mayor firms on her stand

Amid growing dissent for Karnal Assembly seat, Union Power Minister and former Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday reached the residence of former mayor Renu Bala Gupta.

CM Nayab Singh Saini had also attempted to placate Gupta on Saturday after she expressed displeasure over the party's decision to field Jagmohan Anand as the candidate from the Karnal seat.

Khattar asked them to support party candidate Jagmohan Anand, but Renu Bala Gupta, her husband Brij Gupta and supporters remained firm on their decision.

“We have conveyed to Khattar ji about our concern. We will take a final decision after a meeting of our supporters on September 10,” said former Mayor Gupta.

Khattar, while interacting with media persons, highlighted the role of Gupta family in his and CM Saini’s victory.

“The family members worked a lot with dedication for the party’s candidates in Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections. I have asked them to work for the party’s candidate.

“Such disagreements are common when large-scale decisions are made. Renu Bala Gupta had aspirations to contest this election. She, her husband and family members, had played an important role in my victory as well as in victory of CM Saini,” said Khattar.

“I hope she will join us and ensure BJP’s third consecutive government in the state,” he added.