BSP ex-MLA backs party nominee’s rival in Y’nagar

Tribune News Service

Yamunanagar, December 11

In a major setback to the BSP, two-time former MLA Akram Khan has extended support to mayoral candidate Rakesh Sharma Kaka, who is being backed by a majority of local Congress leaders.

“I have extended support to Sharma, who is contesting the mayoral election. I started campaigning in his favour on Monday,” he said.

He said he was in the BSP, but would not support the mayoral candidate of the INLD-BSP alliance. “Sharma is the candidate of my choice, so I am supporting him,” he said.

“Khan’s family wields influence in his Assembly constituency Jagadhri and three other Assembly seats — Yamunanagar, Sadhaura and Radaur,” said a political analyst.

“I have informed senior leaders about the development,” said Prakash Bharti, state BSP president. He said Khan did not quit the BSP, but had not attended party meetings in the recent past.

“There will be no effect on the fate of our candidate Sandeep Goyal as the alliance has huge support,” he said. The triangular mayoral contest also featured BJP candidate Madan Chauhan.