Setback to INLD, its vice-president quits

Nitish Sharma
Tribune News Service
Kurukshetra, September 10

In a major setback to the Indian National Lok Dal, its national vice-president Ashok Arora quit the party along with hundreds of his supporters on Tuesday.

Amid speculations that he might join the Congress, Arora had called a meeting of his supporters where he made the announcement. However, he did not disclose the party he was going to join.

Addressing his supporters, Arora said: “I have been associated with the Chautala family for nearly 40 years and leaving the INLD was a tough decision. After the parliamentary elections, I was inactive but my supporters wanted me to get active and raise the issues of Thanesar constituency. I can’t let my supporters and people of Thanesar down.”

He targeted BJP MLA Subhash Sudha and also accused the BJP of making bogus claims of development.

Speaking to The Tribune, he said: “It was a tough call but I had no other choice. I am not the type to switch loyalties to gain benefit and I had very good offers and opportunities in the past. I will meet Om Prakash Chautala in a couple of days to express my gratitude, apologise and seek his blessings for the next innings.”

About joining any party, Arora, a four-time MLA, said: “The political circumstances keep changing and at present the regional parties don’t have much role to play. The supporters have given me a big responsibility. I am grateful to my supporters who have been my strength despite the fact that we have been in the Opposition for the last 15 years. There are many speculations in the media but I will take the decision after consulting all senior leaders. I have conveyed my message to the supporters and will send my resignation to Om Prakash Chautala soon.”