Will contest on HLP symbol: Gopal Kanda; set to contest 4th poll from Sirsa

Gopal Kanda, leader of the Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP) and a two-time MLA from Sirsa, is preparing to contest his fourth election from the Sirsa constituency. Despite talks of aligning with the BJP, Kanda has confirmed he will contest under his party’s symbol, “ship”. Talking to The Tribune, Kanda discussed his vision for Sirsa, addressed rivals’ allegations and outlined his plans for addressing unemployment and drug addiction in the region.

On ‘disappearing act’ charge

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Responding to criticism that he disappears after securing votes, Kanda emphasised his “constant presence” in the constituency. He said, “My office is open 365 days a year. During Covid, we built a 150-bed hospital and provided food to 25,000-30,000 people daily.”

On ‘using money power’

He dismissed accusations of rivals like Gokul Setia, who claims Kanda uses money power to win elections. Kanda said, “If helping people during difficult times and spending on education is wrong, I will continue doing these wrong things.”

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Kanda confirmed that while the HLP is part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), he will remain loyal to his party’s symbol, stating, “I will be contesting from Sirsa on the HLP’s symbol, ‘ship’. That is certain.” His brother, Gobind Kanda, had also expressed his interest in contesting from Fatehabad under the BJP ticket, but was ultimately overlooked in favour of Dura Ram. Gopal Kanda hinted that his brother might sit out this election to manage the campaign.

Addressing Sirsa’s challenges, Kanda linked unemployment to the growing drug addiction problem, proposing a solution that centres on bringing industries to the area. He highlighted Sirsa’s ample land available for industrial development and mentioned his plans to engage industrialist friends to create local jobs.

While acknowledging that Sirsa remained a backward district despite past leadership holding prominent state positions, Kanda criticised the previous political establishment, noting that basic projects, such as the construction of a dharamshala (community centre), were neglected.

Looking ahead, Kanda aims to focus on creating employment opportunities for the youth, constructing a medical college and improving infrastructure, particularly in parking and irrigation systems. He also promised to establish a hospital to treat drug addiction if the government did not take action.

On the question whether his nephew, Dhawal Kanda, would enter the election race, Kanda said, “We’re still considering whether Dhawal will contest from Rania or not. Things will become clear soon.”