Manjinder Sirsa Joins BJP Ahead Of Punjab Polls In Big Blow To Ex-Ally Akali
NDTV
The BJP's strategy for the approaching Punjab polls is to tap disgruntled leaders from the Congress and Akali Dal and shore up its prospects in a state where it has only ever played second fiddle.
The BJP has made a key acquisition ahead of the Punjab election but at a big cost to its former ally Akali Dal. Akali Dal leader Manjinder Sirsa joined the ruling party in the presence of Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today.
The BJP's strategy for the approaching Punjab polls is to tap disgruntled leaders from the Congress and Akali Dal and shore up its prospects in a state where it has only ever played second fiddle.
The BJP, says its leaders, is in touch with many Jat Sikh leaders like Mr Sirsa in Punjab.
Mr Sirsa's exit is likely a big setback for the Akali Dal, which is trying to regain lost ground in Punjab, a state it ruled till 2017.