Haryana election: Virender Sehwag bats for Congress candidate in Tosham

Estranged cousins and grandchildren of former Haryana chief minister Bansi Lal are contesting the assembly elections from the family’s stronghold of Tosham.

Published on: Oct 2, 2024, 22:18:57 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has thrown his weight behind Congress candidate Anirudh Chaudhary in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, urging voters in the Tosham constituency to support him.

Virender Sehwag campaigns for Congress candidate from Tosham Assembly constituency, Anirudh Chaudhary. (PTI / video screengrab)

"I consider him as my elder brother, and his father, Ranbir Singh Mahendra, who also served as BCCI president, had supported me a lot. This is one of the most important days for him, and I feel I would be able to help him," Sehwag said in a video. "I urge the people of Tosham to help Anirudh Chaudhary win."

Also Read | Vinesh Phogat claims she refused PM Modi's call after Olympics setback, says conditions put for recording

Sehwag's endorsement has added a fresh dynamic to the closely contested constituency, where family legacies and political rivalries run deep.

Anirudh Chaudhary, 48, the son of former BCCI president Ranbir Mahendra and the grandson of four-time Haryana chief minister Bansi Lal, is facing a tough battle. His cousin, Shruti Choudhry, also 48, the daughter of Bansi Lal’s younger son Surender Singh, is the BJP candidate, making the fight for Tosham a family affair.

"I am cent per cent sure that Congress will emerge victorious because the current (BJP) government has failed to solve the problems faced by farmers," said Anirudh Chaudhary, while sitting along side Sehwag.

“There's a huge water crisis here, but the government has also failed to solve this issue. Development has not taken place here, and I want to solve all these issues,” he added.

Also Read | ‘BJP freed Ram Rahim, Kejriwal to sway Haryana elections,’ claims Robert Vadra

Family battle in Tosham

Tosham has long been a stronghold for the Bansi Lal family, with Bansi Lal himself winning six elections from the constituency. Surender Singh and his wife, Kiran Choudhry, have also represented the seat multiple times. In 2019, Kiran Choudhry won by a margin of 18,059 votes against Parmar, who was then a BJP candidate.

The constituency’s caste distribution shows that Jats comprise about 33% of the population, Brahmins 10%, Rajputs 7%, Ahirs 4.5%, Khati 3.2%, Punjabi-Khatris 2.6%, Vaish 2%, Nai 1.9%, Gujjars 1.8% and Scheduled Castes 24%.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.