Dushyant Chautala regrets backing BJP during farmers’ protest

Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) leader Dushyant Chautala, a former Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana, has said he regrets standing with the BJP during the farmers' agitation. In an interview with The Hindu, Chautala acknowledged that many supporters felt he should have resigned at the time, and that he had failed to understand their sentiments. He is contesting the upcoming Haryana Assembly election from the family stronghold of Uchana Kalan in Jind.

Chautala defended his party's post-poll alliance with the BJP after the 2019 election, saying it allowed the JJP to fulfil promises such as raising the monthly old age pension to Rs 3,000 and reserving 50% of panchayat seats for women. However, he admitted that two key promises, 75% reservation for local youth in private jobs and a Rs 5,100 monthly pension, remain unfulfilled. The reservation law is sub judice.

The JJP has allied with the Azad Samaj Party for the election. Chautala predicted a hung Assembly in Haryana, with his alliance playing a decisive role in government formation. He said the target is to win over voters below 55, who make up 60% of the electorate.