Kanhaiya Mittal to Join Congress After BJP Ticket Snub: A Game-Changer in Haryana Politics?
Kanhaiya Mittal, the well-known devotional singer whose iconic song ‘Jo Ram Ko Laye Hain, Hum Unko Layenge,’ has assumed an altogether different role this time round as he gets ready to take a leap into state politics by joining the Congress party ahead of the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections. Mittal, who rose to immense popularity with his song that reverberated among the ranks of the Bharatiya Janata Party, appeared to harbor sentiments that the party had snubbed him by not providing him an election ticket. Quite unexpectedly, his induction into Congress could have wide ramifications as far as his political future and the contours of Haryana’s electoral politics are concerned.
From Devotional Singer to Political Figure
Kanhaiya Mittal rose with the powerful devotional song ‘Jo Ram Ko Laye Hain,’ which fast became a rallying cry for many supporters of the BJP-most particularly those aligned with the party’s strong focus on Sanatan values and Hindutva ideology. Although Mittal did not officially join the BJP, his association with the party was well recognized due to the frequent use of his song during BJP events and rallies.
This, however led the BJP a few days back to refuse him a ticket for the forthcoming Haryana Assembly elections, which incidentally sends Mittal scouting for fresh political pastures. He even went on record to proclaim loudly that no single political party has a monopoly on Sanatan Dharma, declaring that other political parties, including Congress, could also uphold those values.
Kanhaiya Mittal’s Statement: Shift in Political Camp
Putting speculation over his Congress membership to rest, Mittal explained that his commitment to Sanatan Dharma was beyond political lines. Reiterating respect for his guru Yogi Adityanath, he said that nothing changes between them, even if his party allegiance does. “Yogi Adityanath is my guru and will always remain so. Much like one mother can have two sons in two different political parties, why can’t a guru and disciple be in two different parties?
” he said, elaborating his stance over political pluralities.
Mittal also explained that he was never a member of the BJP or its campaigner, but was frequently invited by party leaders whenever his now-famous devotional song would be performed at any event. This nuanced relationship with the BJP perhaps laid the ground for his probable switch to Congress in search of more formal political platforms for representation of values and beliefs.
Speculation Over His Candidature
There are speculations galore over which seat Kanhaiya Mittal may contest from amidst rumors that he might join Congress soon. These two seats of Ambala City and Panchkula have been considered within the sights of Mittal in Haryana. Now, these two constituencies bear much political significance, and securing a ticket for either seat could be a major turning point in Mittal’s political career.
While BJP has already put up the seasoned politician Gian Chand Gupta, Speaker of Haryana Assembly, from Ambala City, this could make for an interesting fight if Mittal actually starts off from this constituency on a Congress ticket. Popular as a devotional singer and with fresh visibility in the public area, he may lure religious as well as swing voters who could upset the traditional voting trend in the region.
While making this announcement, sources close to Congress said that Mittal might have already been given assurance for a ticket, although there was no official confirmation. If true, Mittal’s entry into the fray could boost the chances of Congress in select constituencies as the common public also identifies him well with religious sentiments and at a broader level.
BJP Response
Keeping Distance from Mittal Rumours of Mittal’s migration to Congress have prompted BJP leaders to try and dissociate the party from any official connection with him. Gian Chand Gupta, BJP leader and Speaker of Haryana Assembly, lost no time in clarifying that Kanhaiya Mittal had never contested elections on behalf of the BJP. “Kanhaiya Mittal has never been a BJP campaigner; he has always campaigned for Sanatan.
He was always standing with Sanatan, he is standing even today,” said Gupta, in an attempt to minimize any direct political association between Mittal and the BJP.
This assertion shows that the BJP was in damage-control mode following Mittal’s entry to Congress. The BJP leadership wants to clarify that Mittal’s spiritual activities would have nothing to do with their political leanings, in a bid perhaps to keep the party base intact.
The Expected Impact on the Political Landscape of Haryana
Kanhaiya Mittal is all set to join Congress at a time when the political stakes in Haryana remain high. With assembly elections round the corner, every candidate and each seat has become valuable. His appeal is fueled by his devotional music and a strong association with Sanatan values-something that will deeply resonate with the electorate who base their political choices on cultural and religious identity.
His candidature may just be direct challenge before the BJP in seats like Ambala City and Panchkula if Mittal is fielded by the Congress. The winning of these seats has both strategic and emotional significance. Further, his immense fan following might take undecided or discredited voters with him. Besides, his attraction of young and specifically religiously-inclined voters may further complicate the electoral dynamics.
This could be considered a strategic move on the part of Congress-a strategic move for expanding the party circle by including all sections of the populace, especially sections that in the past supported the BJP’s line on cultural issues. The Congress has often found itself at a loss on religious issues because of the mooted position of the BJP. Mittal’s presence might provide a unique opportunity for the party to challenge such a narrative.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Kanhaiya Mittal and Haryana Politics
As Kanhaiya Mittal prepares to take a political plunge with Congress, be this a decision that is going to be big not just for his career but also for the greater political landscape in Haryana, whatever the ticket he gets, either Ambala City or Panchkula. The debate will ensnare eyeballs and generate heated debates on the role of religion in politics, the power of popular culture in elections, and evolving dynamics between India’s big two political parties. Meanwhile, with the impending election to the Haryana Assembly, all eyes will gaze at Kanhaiya Mittal as he undergoes a metamorphosis from a devotional singer to a political figure who is going to shape the future course of political discourse in the region.
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