Apologise or face fallout: Kuldeep Bishnoi warns BJP over Bhajan Lal remark row

Hisar: The political storm over alleged remarks against Bhajan Lal, the former chief minister of Haryana, has intensified. On Sunday, BJP leader Kuldeep Bishnoi broke his silence and warned his own party, demanding an apology from Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma.In a video message posted on social media, Bishnoi termed Sharma's remarks as reflective of her "mindset" rather than a slip of the tongue. He cautioned that failure to secure an apology could have serious political consequences. "If this arrogance continues, the party may not return to power again," he said, emphasising his role in helping the BJP form govt in Haryana in the past.Bishnoi also took exception to BJP state president Mohan Lal Baroli, alleging that even he failed to accord due respect while referring to Bhajan Lal at a public event. "Leaders must maintain dignity, especially while speaking about someone of Bhajan Lal's stature," he said.Bishnoi said he remained a "disciplined soldier" of the party but warned that the issue would not end unless corrective steps were taken. "Do not compel me to take matters further," he added.The controversy stems from a recent public remark by MP Rekha Sharma, in which she allegedly claimed that Bhajan Lal won elections through "wrong means". The statement has triggered widespread criticism and protests across the state.Meanwhile, Congress MLA and Bhajan Lal's son, Chandermohan, has served a legal notice to Sharma, demanding an apology. He stated that Bhajan Lal's repeated electoral victories reflected public trust, not misconduct.According to reports, complaints against Rekha Sharma have been submitted in at least 16 districts across Haryana – Bhiwani, Fatehabad, Gurugram, Jhajjar, Jind, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Mahendragarh, Nuh, Ambala, Panchkula, Panipat, Sonipat, Yamunanagar and Charkhi Dadri.Protesters have warned of intensifying agitation if action is not taken.Fatehabad MLA slams BJP's Dura Ram On Sunday, Congress MLA from Fatehabad Balwan Singh Daulatpuria launched a scathing attack on former BJP legislator and Bhajan Lal's nephew Dura Ram for his "silence" over MP Rekha Sharma's comments.Addressing the mediapersons, Daulatpuria said Dura Ram, a nephew of Bhajan Lal, should have taken a strong stand and pressured the BJP to seek a public apology from Rekha Sharma, who is at the centre of the controversy. "His political identity is rooted in Bhajan Lal's legacy. Remaining silent on the issue is unacceptable," said the Congress legislator.Dura Ram, a two-time MLA from Fatehabad, joined the BJP in 2019 and represented the constituency until 2024. Daulatpuria alleged that Dura Ram's silence was equivalent to complicity. "If someone who learned politics under Bhajan Lal chooses to remain quiet after such remarks, he must be held equally responsible," said Daulatpuria, adding that the public was closely watching such leaders.MSID:: 130734316 413 |