Ashok Tanwar, a prominent political figure in Haryana, made headlines with his unexpected return to the Congress party. This significant event occurred just two days before the Haryana Assembly elections scheduled for October 5. Tanwar’s rejoining is viewed as a major setback for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where he had recently served after switching from Congress earlier this year.
Tanwar’s announcement came during a rally led by Rahul Gandhi in Mahendragarh district. As the rally was concluding, the crowd was informed of a special announcement. Tanwar, who had been actively campaigning for the BJP just hours before, appeared on stage to loud cheers. The moment was marked by the declaration, “Aaj unki ghar vapsi ho gayi hai” (Today, he has returned home to the Congress).
Political Background of Ashok Tanwar
Ashok Tanwar has had a tumultuous political journey over the past few years. He previously served as the Haryana Congress president from 2014 until his departure in 2019 due to internal conflicts with senior party leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda. After leaving Congress, he briefly joined the Trinamool Congress in November 2021 and then switched to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in April 2022. His latest move to the BJP occurred earlier this year, where he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and the government’s progress.
Tanwar’s political career has seen its ups and downs. He was elected as a Member of Parliament from Sirsa in 2009 but faced defeats in subsequent elections. His political setbacks included losing to INLD’s Charanjeet Singh Rori in 2014 and BJP’s Sunita Duggal in 2019 by significant margins.
Impact of His Return on Haryana Elections
Tanwar’s return to Congress is expected to bolster the party’s chances in the upcoming elections. His presence is likely to energize Congress supporters and could sway undecided voters. Political analysts suggest that his rejoining could enhance Congress’s outreach to Dalit voters, an important demographic in Haryana politics.
During his rejoining ceremony, Tanwar was warmly welcomed by Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders like Bhupinder Singh Hooda and K.C. Venugopal. This display of unity within Congress is crucial as they aim to reclaim power from the BJP after a decade of rule.T
he timing of Tanwar’s return is particularly strategic; it comes at a moment when campaigning is reaching its peak and voter sentiments are being shaped just before election day. Political insiders indicate that Tanwar had been in touch with Rahul Gandhi prior to this announcement, although many within the state unit were unaware of his plans to rejoin
Election Context
The Haryana Assembly elections are set for October 5, with vote counting scheduled for October 8. This election is critical for both major parties—Congress seeks to regain control while the BJP aims to maintain its dominance in the state. The political landscape in Haryana has been dynamic, with various parties vying for influence among a diverse electorate.
Given Tanwar’s history and connections within Congress, his return could be pivotal in shaping campaign strategies and voter outreach initiatives leading up to election day.
