Bishnoi backs Rao Inderjit, warns ignoring seniors may weaken BJP

Senior BJP leader Kuldeep Bishnoi has come out in support of Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh after the latter publicly questioned the organisation of the party's Partition Day programme in Gurugram. Mr. Bishnoi stressed that the experience of senior leaders must be respected while also giving opportunities to the younger generation.

Speaking at the BJP event on Friday, Mr. Singh, the MP from Gurugram and Union Minister of State for Planning, expressed displeasure over the exclusion of local leaders. He said he objected to the fact that people from different areas had been invited while local representatives had not been included.

On Saturday, Mr. Bishnoi took to social media platform X to back Mr. Singh, underlining the importance of respecting leaders who have spent decades building the party and maintaining a public connect. “The decades of political experience of senior leaders is the party's invaluable asset,” he wrote.

He added that such leaders had witnessed political ups and downs, managed the organisation during difficult periods, and earned their position through years of work among the people. He cautioned that ignoring senior leaders or sending any message that they were not being accorded due respect could weaken the organisation rather than strengthen it.

Referring specifically to Mr. Singh, Mr. Bishnoi said the Union Minister had a “very significant stature” in Haryana politics and enjoyed a broad public base and respect. He added that he personally held him in high regard and admired his political experience, struggles, and contribution to the state.

“The BJP is a strong organisation, and its strength lies in better coordination between the experience of senior leadership and the energy of young leadership. Respect for seniors and opportunities for the new generation -- both must go hand in hand,” said Mr. Bishnoi, son of late Chief Minister Bhajan Lal.

Mr. Bishnoi's intervention comes against the backdrop of earlier tensions within the Haryana BJP over remarks concerning his family. A few months ago, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma had triggered controversy by alleging at a public rally that former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal and his son Chander Mohan had won elections through “badmashi” (malpractice).

The remarks sparked a political row, following which Mr. Bishnoi had cautioned the BJP leadership against arrogance and disrespect towards senior leaders. His latest statement reinforces that position, highlighting internal concerns within the party over the treatment of experienced leaders in Haryana.