Former CM’s hold on Haryana politics continues

Several BJP leaders in Sirsa organised blood donation camps on Monday to celebrate the 71st birthday of Union Minister and former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

While Khattar now serves in the Central Government, the events appeared to be a display of continued grassroots support and an indication of his political influence in the state.

BJP leader Gobind Kanda held a blood donation camp at the party office. A total of 126 units of blood were collected, with the local Civil Hospital’s blood bank team present for collection. Kanda praised Khattar’s leadership, especially his job reforms that, according to him, helped thousands secure employment without the need for bribes or recommendations.

He also cited Khattar’s move to increase the income cap for the Ayushman Bharat scheme from Rs 1.20 lakh to Rs 1.80 lakh. Meanwhile, in Ellenabad’s Nathusari Chopta area, a blood donation camp was held by ‘Team Captain’, led by Jasvinder Singh Meenu Beniwal, aka Captain Meenu Beniwal.

The event, one of Beniwal’s first major initiatives in Sirsa since becoming the Haryana Olympic Association President, witnessed the collected of 120 units of blood.

In line with Khattar’s road safety campaign, helmets were distributed to all donors.

Beniwal, who joined the BJP last year during a rally attended by Khattar and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, has since been active in election campaigns. Promotional material for his recent event featured only Khattar’s image, sparking speculation about internal dynamics within the party.

450 donate blood across 4 camps in Sirsa

Apart from camps led by Kanda (126 units) and Beniwal (120 units), a drive at Shah Satnam Ji Specialty Hospitals, run by the Dera Sacha Sauda, witnessed the donation of 180 units.

The District Red Cross Society also held a camp at its Barnala Road office, where 24 people donated blood. In total, 450 units of blood were collected across all four camps.

Political theatre, not public service: INLD

While supporters framed these camps as a tribute to Khattar’s contributions, critics, particularly from the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), dismissed them as political theatre aimed at consolidating support in the Ellenabad constituency. INLD members questioned the sudden surge in such events and alleged they were driven more by political ambition than public service.

Haryana Tribune