The buzz over Congress Lok Sabha MP Kumari Selja joining the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has been prevailing ever since her absence from the party's campaign in Haryana was noticed. The recent remarks made by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini have fueled this speculation, hinting at the "possibility" that the switch might indeed happen.
Khattar, while speaking to the media in Karnal on Saturday, stated: "It is a world of possibilities and possibilities cannot be ruled." He was asked to comment on the likelihood of Congress MPs Selja and Randeep Singh Surjewala joining the BJP. "You will know everything when the right time comes," he added.
Earlier this month, rumours were rife about Selja joining the BJP as her absence from the campaigning indicated an internal conflict in the Congress in Haryana. Sources told ABP that Selja was miffed over Hooda camp receiving preferential treatment and his candidates being alloted more seat tickets as compared to the leaders of her faction.
However, former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda had denied reports of internal conflict in the grand old party, stressing there was no factionalism.
Congress Mentally Torturing, Insulting Kumari Selja: Nayab Saini
Meanwhile, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini hit out at the Congress over not working for the development of the poor and the Dalits. He said: "Finishing reservation is in the DNA of Congress...They do not want the poor to develop. They are working towards crushing the constitution...Congress has always used Dalits as its vote bank... Congress has insulted Baba Saheb Ambedkar."
The BJP leader then went on to mention how Congress is "mentally torturing" Kumari Selja, and claimed that she was "insulted" by her party.
"She is a big leader if she wants to become the CM, what's the problem in this...No one has the right to insult her...Congress always suppresses those who come up from the Dalit community," Saini said, expressing support for Selja.
Leaders from Selja's faction who have received ticket to contest the Haryana Assembly elections include former Deputy Chief Minister Chander Mohan (Panchkula), former Assembly Speaker Akram Khan (Jagadhri), and Ramniwas Rara (Hisar).
Assembly elections will be held on October 5 in Haryana. The counting of votes will be done on October 8.