Haryana Assembly Elections 2024: Ashok Tanwar rejoins Congress from BJP

Former Haryana Congress chief Lok Sabha MP Ashok Tanwar, who had joined the BJP earlier this year, returned to the grand old party ahead of the state assembly elections. The former Sirsa MP, who had joined the BJP in January, returned to the Congress ranks during Rahul Gandhi's rally at Mahendragarh on Thursday. 

Ashok Tanwar had brief stints with the Aam Admi Party (AAP) and the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) before joining the saffron camp in January 2024. He was the HPCC chief from 2014 to 2019 before he left the party. Interestingly, Tanwar decided to cut his ties with the AAP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls over Arvind Kejriwal's decision to join forces with Congress. He then contested the Lok Sabha polls from Sira for the BJP but was defeated by Congress's Kumari Selja.

Interestingly, even hours ahead of joining the Congress, Tanwar had tweeted favouring the BJP candidates in the fray. The tweets have now been removed from his handle.

"Congress has consistently raised its voice for the rights of the oppressed and the deprived and has fought with all sincerity to protect the Constitution. Impressed by our struggle and dedication, today senior BJP leader, former MP, member of BJP's campaign committee in Haryana and star campaigner Mr. Ashok Tanwarjoined the Congress. Your arrival will strengthen the fight for the rights of Dalits. Welcome back to the Congress family, best wishes for the future," the Congress posted on X along with the video of Tanwar sharing the stage with Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders in Haryana.