By Parveen Arora

In a major setback for the ruling BJP, senior Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad leader Chanderveer Bhatia has expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s decision to nominate Jagmohan Anand, former media coordinator to the ex-Chief Minister, for the Karnal seat. He announced that he would contest as an Independent candidate.

Bhatia, who has been associated with the RSS for over 40 years, joined the Bajrang Dal in 1996, serving in various key roles, including city convener, district convener and state co-convener. In 2010, he joined the Vishva Hindu Parishad, where he held positions such as district joint secretary, secretary and zonal secretary, covering four districts. He has also been a part of the VHP’s state working committee.

“I have never sought a ticket, but I am deeply disappointed with the BJP’s decision to field Anand for the Karnal seat. He is a weak candidate and the BJP will not be able to win with him,” Bhatia said.

Although he was not initially inclined to contest, Bhatia said Anand’s nomination had compelled him to enter the fray. He added that if senior party leader and district president Ashok Sukhija had been given the ticket, he would have withdrawn his candidacy.

This story was originally published in tribuneindia.com.