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    Third Eye: Political chess in Haryana; the 'defectors' challenge for BJP, and Maharashtra Opposition's campaign issue

    Synopsis

    The BJP's JJP, led by Dushyant Chautala, has been gaining support from Congress since three independent MLAs withdrew support from the Saini government. Chautala has promised to back Congress if a no-trust motion against the BJP government is brought, but has not given notice for one. Congress is cautiously examining whether Chautala can keep his party's 10 MLAs united or if a section is available to BJP. BJP inducting defectors presents a new challenge for its leaders, as they may only have a chance in the assembly elections.

    THIRD EYEYET Bureau
    Representative image.
    Game for Haryana Throne has Just Begun
    BJP's estranged ally in Haryana, Dushyant Chautala-led JJP, has been on a verbal overdrive ever since three independent MLAs withdrew support from the Saini government. He has promised to back turf-rival Congress if the latter brings a no-trust motion against the BJP government, but did not say why JJP won't bring it itself. Also, Chautala's party is yet to give notice for a no-trust motion. While Congress is looking for an opening, it is treading cautiously as political circles are already debating whether Chautala can keep his party's 10 MLAs united or whether a section of them is available to BJP in the event of a number crunch. A little bird says another section of JJP MLAs is talking to Congress for a pre-assembly poll deal.

    Defectors More Than Eager to Prove a Point
    With BJP inducting defectors, a new challenge has cropped up for its leaders. As ticket distribution for Lok Sabha elections is over, some of the new faces are aware that they will get a chance only in the assembly elections. Still, many of them want to be assigned some responsibility. A few of the inductees were panelists and spokespersons in their previous parties and are now actively trying to convince their new bosses that they should be sent on TV debates. BJP is wary of the obvious criticism from the public that just a few days ago these politicians were attacking the saffron party and its policies.

    Afterall, it’s a Political League
    Maharashtra’s Opposition parties have turned alleged shifting of industries to Gujarat a major campaign issue, with Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat taking this to a different level. He pointed out how Hardik Pandya, a Gujarati and the erstwhile captain of Gujarat Titans, was made captain of Mumbai Indians, replacing Rohit Sharma, a Mumbaikar. Opinion in Congress is divided about his claim. While some feel Thorat went overboard with his example, others feel he has hit a six.


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