Manish Tewari slams BJP's attempts to seek support from Kanda

In its first reaction to the BJP's attempt to secure the support of newly elected Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Gopal Kanda, Congress on October 25, slammed the ruling party. Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Manish Tewari alleged that the BJP was using unfair means to form the government in Haryana. He also claimed that the verdict was against the Manohar Lal Khattar regime. Kanda is a former Haryana Minister who was accused of abetting suicide of a young air hostess who worked for his aviation company in 2012 and spent considerable time in prison.  

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Government formation

Contesting on a ticket of the Haryana Lokhit Party, Kanda won the election from the Sirsa assembly constituency on Thursday, October 24. His victory margin over his opponent Gokul Setia was barely 602 votes. BJP fell short of the majority as it could win only 40 seats. Thereafter, hectic attempts are allegedly on in both Congress as well as BJP to initiate talks with legislators like Kanda for government formation. Soon, reports emerged that he had left with 5 MLAs to meet the BJP top brass on Thursday. Speaking to the media, Kanda's brother Gobind Kanda hinted at the MLAs supporting the BJP.  

He said, "2009 has repeated itself in 2019. Instead of Congress, it is BJP today, with victory on 40 seats. Gopal Kanda has left for Delhi with 6 MLAs. They will form BJP's govt." 

Read: Punjab Bypolls: Congress Wins Phagwara, Jalalabad Seats

Flip-flop on Kanda

Incidentally, Congress had a different take on Kanda some years ago. He was considered as one of the key leaders who ensured that the Chief Ministerial post went to Bhupinder Singh Hooda. He was a part of the Hooda cabinet as well. In September 2013, the BJP had demanded his expulsion on the floor of the Haryana assembly.  

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